Orthodox Monastery of Arkadi is situated on the slopes of Mount Ida (500 m above sea level), 25 km south-east of Rethymno in Crete. The monastery is one of the most historic churches of the island.

The exact time of the founding of the monastery at present is not known. According to one version, the foundation of the monastery is associated with the Byzantine emperor Heraclius I (7th century AD), another version suggests that the monastery was laid by the Roman Emperor Arcadius in the early 5th century AD (perhaps hence the name the church). It is possible that the founder of the monastery could be a monk, and Arcadius, who found here in the branches of olive icon.

The monastery complex that we see today was built by the Venetians in the 16th century around. Arkadi Monastery is an important cultural center of the region. In the monastery the monks living-scribes, had an excellent library, and was organized by the school. Also in the 17-18 centuries in the monastery had its own workshop for embroidery with gold (some work is still kept in the monastery museum).

His fame has acquired the monastery in 1866 during the Cretan uprising known as the "Great Cretan Revolution". Pyatnadtsatitysyachnaya Turkish army surrounded the monastery, the walls of which have found their shelter about 1,000 Cretans. When the monastery fell, and the battle began, one of the insurgents detonated gunpowder warehouse. The monastery was destroyed and killed almost all of the people were inside, and the temple became a symbol of the struggle for independence.

Today, in the southern wing of the monastery is a unique museum. His exhibition presents post-Byzantine icons, ecclesiastical vestments and implements, weapons, manuscripts, personal items belonging to the abbot Gabriel and other religious and historical relics.

Each year, visiting the Monastery of Arkadi huge number of pilgrims and visitors from around the world, regardless of religion.