Aghia Triada: Olive Groves and Renaissance Church

Aghia Triada is nestled among olive groves. From the newer settlement, you can look across to the opposite hill, where the older settlement stands, known to the Venetians as Santa Trinita. Here, the landscape and the history of settlement are closely intertwined.

The Character of Aghia Triada

The Renaissance church of Aghia Triada has two aisles and is dedicated to Saint Nicholas. Along with the olive groves and the view of the older settlement on the hill, its design and dedication provide the village with a distinctive architectural landmark. If you are looking for hotels for a stay in Aghia Triada, you might first consider whether you would prefer the village itself or the cultural and natural attractions across the wider destination of Rethymno to be the focus of your trip.

Rethymno as a Wider Destination

The Old Town of Rethymno is designated as a protected historic monument and a traditional settlement. It preserves an urban layout that took shape during the Venetian period and was later altered under Turkish rule. The historic city centre lies below the Venetian Fortezza fortress. The Venetian harbour is also part of the coastline of the municipality of Rethymno. Rethymno beach is 12 kilometres long: it begins at the historic city centre and stretches eastwards as far as Scaleta. Its sand is fine-grained and light brown.

Museums and Historical Context

Since 1991, the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno has been housed in a pentagonal building opposite the main entrance to the Fortezza. Its exhibitions present the history of the prefecture from the Neolithic period to Roman times. The Historical and Folklore Museum of Rethymno is housed in a Venetian mansion dating from the 17th century. Its permanent exhibition, displayed in five rooms, features traditional crafts and folk art.

The Museum of the Archaeological Site of Eleftherna is the first archaeological site museum in Crete. Its exhibitions show life in ancient Eleftherna from the late part of the 4th millennium BC through the Byzantine period. Excavations in the area of the present-day villages of Eleftherna and Ancient Eleftherna have uncovered significant parts of the ancient city. Another archaeological highlight is the necropolis of Armeni: more than 220 tombs have been excavated in this extensive Late Minoan cemetery. The tombs were family tombs containing several deceased; their grave goods provide information about the art, religion and social organisation of the time.

Architecture and History in the Rethymno Destination

In 1587, the two-aisled church of Saint Constantine and the Transfiguration of the Saviour was built at Arkadi Monastery. Dating from the period of Venetian rule, the building features elements of Renaissance architecture. After the revolution of 1866 to 1869, the monastery became an enduring symbol of freedom. Chromonastiri is also designated as a historic settlement worthy of preservation. Its Military Museum is housed in a Venetian villa built in 1610 for the Clodio family. It includes a room dedicated to the historic Battle of Crete and displays weapons dating from the Greek Revolution of 1821 through to the Second World War.

Gorges, Routes and Events

The Moulói Gorge begins at Chromonastiri and ends at the village of Xiro Chorio. It includes a small river and the abandoned traditional village of Moulói, where traditional architecture, old churches and caves can be seen. The Arkadi Gorge begins at Arkadi Monastery and winds through striking scenery to the village of Pikri, which features significant elements of Venetian architecture. The Rethymno–Arkadi route passes through villages with Venetian houses on its way to the historic Arkadi Monastery.

Every summer, Rethymno hosts a Renaissance Festival featuring music, theatre and dance performances, as well as art exhibitions. The Rethymno Carnival is a traditional event; every year, volunteers organise the parade.

Discover more destinations: Roupes, Petrochori, Karoti, Erfoi, Sellía, Mikro Metochi, Mariou, Roussospiti.

See the wider travel overview: Rethymno.