This is one of the biggest monasteries in Crete. It is located in Sitia, near Vai. It is a historic monastery of the 15th century, which was destroyed by the earthquake of 1612 and was rebuilt with the financial aid of the Venetians. It was again destroyed by the Turks after the fall of Crete. There was a school in the monastery throughout the Ottoman period and in 1870 a school for mutual teaching was founded.

The main building of the monastery covers an area of 800 square meters and it is comprised of three floors. It includes cells, guest houses, kitchens, an abbey and warehouses. The northern aisle of the church is dedicated to the Virgin and the south aisle to St John the Theologian. The bell tower of the monastery dates back to 1558.

In the monastery you can see very important paintings and frescoes of the 14th century as well as an interesting exhibition of ancient engravings and a collection of artifacts, gospels, revolutionary banners and other sacred relics. Here you can also buy traditional products made by the monks such as wine, raki and oil. The monastery celebrates with a festival on September 26th. It is open to the public daily from 09:00 to13:00 and 14:00 to 18:00.