Agarathos Monastery stands in the countryside between Sgourokefali and Sambas, approximately 23 kilometres from Heraklion. Its origins are uncertain, but it is regarded as one of Crete’s oldest monasteries and holds an enduring place in the island’s religious history.
Local tradition links its name to a Jerusalem sage bush, known as agarathia, beneath which an icon of the Virgin Mary was found. This account remains closely tied to the monastery’s dedication to the Virgin and its spiritual identity.
The present church occupies the site of an older building and features modern frescoes, showing how the monastery has evolved over time. A visit offers an opportunity to appreciate its artwork and religious heritage while discovering the rural surroundings of Heraklion.
