Chalevi Monastery

Chalevi Monastery is located on the road to Chromonastiri and Roussospiti, near Rethymno, Crete. It is one of many monasteries that existed in the broader Rethymno region during the 16th and 17th centuries. The monastery operated during the Ottoman period and for a significant time held the status of a stavropegial monastery, meaning it was directly under the jurisdiction of the Patriarch. In 1900, it was dissolved and became a dependency of Arsaniou Monastery, and in 1991 it was annexed to the Monastery of Agia Irini.

The only surviving structure is the single-aisled church of the Dormition of the Theotokos, with the date 1864 inscribed on its lintel. This date likely signifies a renovation rather than the original construction date. Around the church, ruins of the other monastery buildings remain, suggesting the existence of a fortified complex and revealing elements of traditional Cretan architecture of past centuries.

• Construction Period: Likely 16th century, with later renovations (lintel dated 1864).
• Location: On the road to Chromonastiri and Roussospiti, near Rethymno, Crete.
• Historical Significance: Operated during the Ottoman period, held stavropegial status (directly under the Patriarch).
• Current Status: Ruined, with only the church surviving intact. Declared a preserved monument by the Greek state.