Before the new National Road from Chania to Heraklion was built in the beginning of 1970, the area of Bali and the adjacent mountain was known for its ascetic caves, monasteries and churches. Here they were safe from the pirates, the area was almost uninhabited, visitors were very rare.
The monastery Agios Ioannis Prodromos at the location Atali – Bali
is a monastery from the 17th century. The Catholicon, the Church, is located here, for once not in the center of the monastery, but separately in the eastern part. Under one of the church domes frescoes have been preserved.
- Read more about the nearby village Bali in Bali is beautiful
Monastery Agios Ioannis Prodromos – Useful information
You can reach the monastery from the National Road coming from the East (Bali), shortly after Bali a sign shows left up the hill to the monastery. Please be careful, this is not a normal road exit. If you come from the other direction, exit the national road to Bali, go back, and take the exit back to Rethymnon and look out for the sign. The monastery is 500 m away from the National Road, the road is paved.
Opening hours
Every day except Friday from 09.00 – 12.00hrs and 18.00 – 20.00hrs, the monks close the gate at 12.00 and at 20.00 hrs.
