The coin commemorates the 150 years from the Arkadi Monastery Holocaust. The Arkadi Monastery is an Eastern Orthodox monastery on the island of Crete, dating back to the 16th century and marked by the influence of the Renaissance. This influence is visible in the architecture, which mixes both Roman and baroque elements.
Situated on a plateau, the monastery is well fortified, being surrounded by a thick and high wall. The monastery played an active role in the Cretan resistance of Ottoman rule during the Cretan revolt of 1866. 943 Greeks, mostly women and children, sought refuge in the monastery. After three days of battle and under orders from the hegumen (abbot) of the monastery, the Cretans blew up barrels of gunpowder, choosing to sacrifice themselves rather than surrender. The monastery became a national sanctuary in honor of the Cretan resistance and November 8 is a day of commemorative parties in Arkadi and Rethymno. |
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Diameter - 25.75mm
Thickness - 2.2mm
Weight - 8.5gr
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| Edge lettering (Hellenic Republic), fine milled |