Guide to Visit Toplou Monastery, Lasithi

About Toplou Monastery

Like many other monasteries in Crete, Toplou has heavily impacted the island’s history. It all started in the 14th century. What began as a small church built by locals quickly transformed into a monk’s sanctuary within two centuries.

Soon, Toplou was the largest and most impressive castle monastery in Eastern Crete. At the same time, the monastery’s exterior and glory came hand in hand with quality work from its monks.

Byzantine hagiography and icons that survived until today show how the educated monks of Toplou helped upgrade Crete’s cultural level during the Renaissance period. 

Toplou under Venetian and Ottoman Rules

After a devastating earthquake in 1612, the Venetians helped rebuild the monastery to benefit from its strategic position in east Crete. However, it still followed the island’s destiny and fell into the hands of the Turks in 1646.

Toplou was abandoned for years but was re-inhabited in the early 1700s when it acquired special protection privileges. The Ottomans invaded and slaughtered several monks in 1821 (Greek Revolution). and it was devastated during the Cretan Revolt in 1866.

Despite the several attacks, the monastery managed to protect countless victims of Ottoman oppression. During those turbulent times, fate had it that the monastery would give up its last name of Akrotiriani for its current one.

Although the exact nature of the transition remains unknown, locals believe that Toplou comes from a Turkish word: top means Metal Ball and refers to the monastery’s cannon, used for defense purposes. I guess that shows that the Turks had difficulty capturing the castle.

Toplou under German Rule

As you can imagine, during the German occupation of the island, the monastery was once again a vital shelter for resistance fighters.

The monks even possessed a radio to communicate with allied forces in Egypt. The capture of this radio led to the infamous torture and execution of the monastery’s abbot.

Despite recent events, the monastery continued to support the fight against Germans. Thankfully, the monks returned to their spiritual work, which has continued until today. Several curious objects dating from this period are exhibited in the museum.

What to See in Toplou Monastery, Lasithi

The Exterior

Marked with greatness, Toplou is known as the only surviving monastery within the Sitia area. You could easily attribute this success to its fortified 10-meter-high walls, which will impress you from afar.

The Interior

The monastery features three floors, 40 rooms, and a 33-meter-high bell tower. To pique your curiosity, it has been said to have 100 doors; however, only 99 have been found. So, if you feel lucky, watch for the lost ones!

The Entrance

The main entrance is on the west side of the fort; it has a sturdy door that rolls open on large wheels. If you pay close attention, you can even notice the hole from where the defenders threw stones or boiling liquids at unwelcome visitors. Hopefully, you won’t have to experience any of that!

Don’t forget to gaze at the imposing bell tower and belfry, two rare examples of Renaissance architecture in the area.

The Inner Courts

Once you go through the door, you will embrace a view of a well-maintained establishment. You will especially love the two beautiful inner courts and the ancient well that played an essential role during sieges, keeping the water flowing on the premises.

The Church

After you roam through the courtyard, prepare to enter the main temple. Once inside, you cannot but admire the murals and frescoes decorating the walls. There’s also a unique silver icon of the virgin near the altar.

The Icons

If there is one element you should pay the most attention to, it is the monastery’s famous icon collection. The collection dates from the 15th century and demonstrates the monks’ impressive artistic talent.

The Museum

Although some of these icons are in the temple, you will find most of them in the monastery’s museum. And if that’s not enough, the collection includes other essential finds, such as crosses, bibles, seals, holy robes, paintings, and objects monks used to defend against Germans during WWII, including weapons, helmets, and a radio! 

Moni Toplou Winery

If you decide to visit in the summertime, you will be lucky as the wine-tasting facilities are open for business! And this is different from your average Cretan wine, too – with a unique climate known only to the Lasithi region, you will not find this variety of wine, known as Assyrtiko, anywhere else on the island.

Here, you will have the chance to sample Toplou Monastery wine, raki, and top-of-the-line olive oil, all produced within walking distance of where you will take your first sip.

Tips to Visit the Holy Monastery of Toplou

Keep these details at hand and bookmark the page to prepare for a visit

How to Get to Toplou Monastery

Due to its remote location, Toplou Monastery might be challenging to reach. The main road goes through Sitia, which is 10 kilometers west.

However, the nearest central city hub is Palekastro, 6 kilometers south. In any case, you will need to rent a car since there is no bus service in the area. Follow the Wines of Crete signs and get to Toplou Crete.

Opening Hours and Entrance Fee

Thankfully, the monastery of Toplou is open all year round from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and then again from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Note, however, that the museum is closed on Sundays.

Regarding costs, the ticket fare comes to only €4, but prepare to spend more if you’re after the famous Toplou Monastery olive oil and wine offerings.

The Restaurant

Although you wouldn’t expect it from monasteries in Lasithi or greater Crete, Toplou is home to a reputable restaurant, Kamaroto. This hidden gem offers delicious dishes in elevated outdoor seating areas with incredible panoramic views.

Look closely, and you can admire the biological vineyard and olive tree cultivations from afar, not to mention the first wind farms in Crete.

Since you are visiting a spiritual establishment, remember to dress appropriately and cover your shoulders. Photography is not allowed inside the museum or the church. However, you can still take pictures of the courtyard and outside areas.

Finally, if you want to use the toilet, prefer the one in the tavern over the main one.

What to Do Near Toplou Monastery

It goes without saying that since you’re in Toplou, you should visit Vai Palm Beach, the most impressive natural palm tree grove in Europe. And if you want some adventure, try walking the nearby Gorge of Toplou; it’s challenging but worth every bit of the effort.

Another interesting place a relatively short drive from the monastery is Sitia, Crete’s easternmost port city. You can visit Sitia’s remarkable archaeological museum and impressive Venetian fortress.

If you enjoy hiking and history, you can also combine a visit to the Gorge of the Dead and the Minoan Palace of Kato Zakros

Overall, visiting the Toplou Monastery can be a delightful experience. You will love its quiet setting, cute restaurant, and historical artifacts.

Often, you find yourself transported back in time, and I am sure it will be an experience you will never forget! So, if you plan on visiting, here’s to amazing travels, scenic views, and incredible times. 

Accommodation Near Toplou

Although the immediate area surrounding Toplou is isolated, Sitia or the small village of Kato Zakros are good places to stay and not too far from Toplou. Booking accommodation here will make it easy to explore the monastery, the Kato Zakros archaeological site, Zakros Gorge, and many solitary beaches in this part of Crete.

These are some of the places I recommend:

Toplou is one of the most important monasteries on the island, so if you explore the remote Lasithi, add it to your list of things to do in Crete. You won’t regret it!

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Toplou Monastery Visit Guide

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