The Holy Monastery of Agia Irini is said to be one of the oldest Monasteries on Crete (Second Byzantine period). Archaeological studies reveal that here was a monastic presence long before (about 600 a.D.). The Moni is founded at a beautiful place and you can feel here a very special harmony atmosphere. You can visit Moni Irini daily from 9 am to 1 pm and from 4 pm to sunset. Inside the Monastery there are two courts. In the first you can park your car and from here you can go to the entrance of the inner Monastery court with the living rooms of the Nuns, little gardens, the Bishops grave and an important church. You will get entrance to this inner court with ringing the bells at the door (see picture Moni Irini - Door with bells). Further Information about Holy Monastery of Agia Irini you can find on the Website above. Enjoy your time here and relax a while before hurrying to the second and final stage 2.
How to find Stage 1 Monastery of Agia Irini?
A) Driving on the New Road coming from Iraklion:
Turn right at S1 short after sign „Mili“. Turn left at S2 signpost Ag. Irini and right at S3 to Rousospiti. On S4 in Rousospiti hold right and drive until you arrive S5 Ag. Irini.
B) Driving on the New Road coming from Xania:
Turn right at O1 sign Amari. Turn right at O2 signpost and left at O3 to Rousospiti. On S4 in Rousospiti hold right and drive until you arrive S5 Ag. Irini.
You can park on PK.
How to find Stage 2 with container?
These are the coordinates: N 35°2A.B83 E024°2C.D52
Now you will find out the missing numbers.
A = first number of the year you will see at the Monastery entrance, see picture "Door with bells".
B = Sum of the digits of the number of lights on the vantage point S7, see picture "One lamp".
C = Last number of the year you will find at the Monastery entrance, see picture.
D = (E-8) with E = Sum of the wooden posts on the vantage point S7.
At the final coordinates you will stand before a big black metal gate. This gate is mostly closed because cars are not allowed to drive up to the church. For pedestrians left and right of the gate are open gaps. But first find the container in front of the gate. Now this Multi can be logged. If you want, you can pass a gap beside the gate to go up to a lookout point. From here you will have the most beautiful view down to Rethymno.
The cache container:
The cache is a Micro with a logbook but without a pen. So take care to have a pen with you. Have fun as well at this stage here and enjoy the view.
