Preveli facts for kids
Preveli is a beautiful place on the southern coast of Crete, a large Greek island. It is located in the Rethymno area and is well-known for its old monastery and a stunning palm tree beach. The name "Preveli" comes from the Greek word Πρέβελη.
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Preveli Monastery: A Place of History
The Holy Monastery of Preveli is a very old and important religious site. It is officially called the Holy Stavropegiac and Patriarchal Preveli Monastery of St. John the Theologian. This monastery has two main parts. One is the Lower Monastery of St. John the Baptist, which is now in ruins. The other is the Upper (or Rear) Monastery of St. John the Theologian, which is still active today.
How the Monastery Started
The monastery likely began in the Middle Ages. This was when the island of Crete was ruled by the Republic of Venice. It is believed that a local lord named Prevelis founded it. Over many centuries, the monastery grew. It became a very important place for religion and culture for the people living nearby.
Preveli's Role in Rebellions
After the Ottoman Turkish army took over Crete, the monastery played a brave role. In 1821, during the Greek War of Independence, Abbot Melchissedek Tsouderos led a group of rebels. Because of this, the monastery was destroyed. However, it was later rebuilt.
The monastery continued to fight for freedom. In 1866 and 1878, it helped organize more rebellions against the Turks. These actions were very important. They helped Crete eventually gain its independence. Later, Crete joined with Greece.
Preveli During World War II
During the Battle of Crete in 1941, the monastery helped Allied soldiers. A monk named Agathangelos Lagouvardos provided supplies and shelter. He helped British, Australian, and New Zealand troops. A group of Australian soldiers found safety at the monastery. They were later rescued by a submarine from Preveli Beach.
When the German forces found out about this, they destroyed the Lower Monastery. Today, the upper monastery has many old religious items and paintings. Many of its buildings have been repaired and are open to visitors. There are also monuments that honor the monastery's help during World War II. Many of these were paid for by the Australian soldiers who were saved.
One of the soldiers who found shelter was Australian Corporal Geoff Edwards. To remember the monastery's help, he later named a small town in Western Australia "Prevelly". A company that makes wine in that area also uses the name Preveli.
Preveli Lagoon: Palm Beach Paradise
Preveli beach and lagoon is a beautiful spot. It is sometimes called "Palm Beach" by locals. You can find it below the monastery. It is where the Kourtaliótiko gorge meets the sea. Right behind the beach, there is a large forest of palm trees.
Local Legends and Tourism
A local story says that Odysseus, the King of Ithaca, stayed near Lake Preveli. This was after the Trojan War, on his way back home.
The area is very popular with tourists. People love the river, the palm forest in the gorge, and the sandy beach with its clear water. On the beach, there is a special rock shaped like a heart. Locals call it "The stone of lovers." Tourist boats regularly come to the beach from the nearby town of Plakias.
The Palm Grove's Resilience
On August 22, 2010, a big fire destroyed most of the palm grove. However, by 2011, the palm trees had completely grown back naturally. This showed how strong and resilient the P. theophrasti palm trees are. Both the oldest and youngest palms in this forest fully regenerated by the summer of 2011.
