Ιερά Μονή Κοιμήσεως Θεοτόκου Παλιανής

Welcome to the Holy Monastery of Paliani. Leave the noise of the world behind for a moment and feel the deep reverence radiating from this blessed place. You are standing in the oldest nunnery in Crete, with roots stretching back to the 6th or 7th century. Look at the imposing catholikon with its embedded ancient capitals; every stone here tells a story of centuries of uninterrupted prayer and faith. Yet, the heart of Paliani beats beside the ancient Agia Agriulia, the centuries-old myrtle tree dominating the courtyard. According to tradition, the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary is embedded within its trunk. For generations, the people of Crete have come here to lay down their sorrows and hopes, receiving a leaf from the sacred tree as a blessing. As you walk among the flowers lovingly tended by the nuns, feel the maternal warmth and peace embracing every visitor.