The Monastery of Arkadi

(Symbol of Heroic Cretan Resistance)

The present Monastery of Arkadi dates from the 16th Century, and became the scene of heroic Cretan resistance during the revolt of 1866.  There had been many uprisings against Turkish rule, during their 250 years of occupation of the Island, but that of 1866 was probably one of the most significant.

The Monastery of Arkadi had, because of its strategic position, become the centre of revolutionary activities.  When the Turkish rulers learnt of this, a message was sent to the Abbot to dismiss the revolutionary committee, (which were based there), or he would destroy the Monastery . The Abbot refused to obey.   As a result, a Turkish army of 15,000 men and 30 cannons were deployed around the Monastery.  A fierce battle then took place between the Turkish forces, and the 964 people within, (640 of whom were women and children).

On the night of 9 November 1866, after two days of fighting,  the gate of the Monastery finally collapsed under the cannon fire. The entry of the Turkish army resulted in terrible bloodshed, with the survivors fleeing to to Gunpowder room.  Outside, the door to the Gunpowder room hundreds of Turks were trying to force it open. 

Then, with the agreement of those within, rather than face certain torture and death, their leader fired his pistol into the gunpowder.  The resultant violent explosion killed them all; - men women and children.

However, this incident had an effect greater than might be thought. This tragedy made the plight of Crete a focus of international attention, which finally resulted in the first Cretan independent government being set up in 1899.  

The Gunpowder Room

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