Profitis Ilias Monastery at Roustika

The Monastery of Prophet Elijah (Profitis Elias) is built above a hill with panoramic views, 20km south of Rethymno , next to Roustika village. It is a relatively unknown monastery throughout Crete, although it was founded in the Venetian Era and belongs to the most historic convents on the island.

The monastery was destroyed several times by the Ottomans, the last time being during the revolution of 1866, and participated actively in the struggle against Turkish rule. Thus, the buildings of the monastery, apart from the temple, were built in their current form after 1866.

Moreover, the contribution of Profitis Ilias to the preservation of Cretan history is enormous, since it housed the Historical Archive of Crete during the German Occupation. The monastery has been built with fortress-like architecture.

In the center of the yard, you will see the three-aisled basilica with a dome dedicated to Prophet Elijah (celebr. 20 July), Holy Trinity, and Agia Zoni (August 31). The belfry of the monastery, along with that of the monastery of Arkadi , are the only surviving Venetian bell towers in Crete.

Around the courtyard, you will also see the two-story monks' cells, the incomplete guest house, and the refectory. Inside the temple, you will see the very old wooden iconostasis, the throne (1843), and the pulpit.

Moreover, many relics are stored in the sanctuary, such as sacred vessels, vestments, gospels, crosses, relics of various saints, a brocade epitaph, old books (since 1640), and manuscripts (from 1620).