There is a place, so unbelievably beautiful, so perfectly peaceful,
and just as remote, that takes my breath away, every time I visit it.
To get there, you need to make your way towards the sky,
into 'cloud country'. Following the curvy, cliffy roads,
 |
| Endemic to Crete, camouflaged Kri-kri lounge between boulders. How many can you see? |
you'll soon come upon Crete's cutest mountain climbers,
the famous Kri-kri goats- that is, if you can spot them!
 |
| Nuns greet visitors at the entrance of the Monastery of Savvathiana, Crete. |
At 440 metres above the Aegean, nestled among hilly meadows,
you will find yourselves at the Monastery of Savvathiana,
whose history dates back to the tenth century,
with a striking, cave-like temple dedicated to
Saint Anthony, by its founder, monk Savvatios.
The monastery, which operates as a nunnery today, is
situated in a richly wooded valley, near a ravine.
Here, an abundance of flowers, fruit trees, and vegetables seem
to thrive effortlessly, but upon closer observation, it is evident
that this little oasis is the result of the nuns' hard work.
As I wrap myself around the luxury of the landscape, I feel
blessed by its holy spirit, which warmly covers me in light.
Thanks for visiting, and
have a lovely weekend!
Unique really! How wonderful photos can you take Poppy? They are bathed in light and capture this fleeting highlight of the moment...They always make me smile and I feel happy to live in this blessed land.
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend!
Olympia
The monastery and grounds are very beautiful and the views stunning. I think I counted 9 or 10 Kri Kri. They sure have great camouflage and are really difficult to see. Have a lovely weekend, Poppy!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful, peaceful place to visit. There's something so appealing about a simple life, such as the nuns live, away from the world, tending a garden, and communing with God. The challenge is to bring those things down into the humdrum of everyday life. Thank you, Poppy, for this lovely post.
ReplyDeleteOh wow! That is a breathtaking place. Have a wonderful weekend. Tammy
ReplyDeletewhat a magical thing to live in such an ancient land... with rich history... and a history that is preserved. and as you say.. it feels blessed.
ReplyDeleteand the vistas. oh my. everywhere you look such beauty!
and the goats or... kri kri... they're like a goat? ...
i could only easily see 7. I'm sure there are many more!
I love goats... whatever they're called!!! they are such fun!
xo♥
Hey Tam,
DeleteYes, they're feral goats, and exclusive to Crete; they live nowhere else in this whole wide world!
xoxo
Wow Poppy, to be in the heart of such history and spiritual setting.
ReplyDeleteYou really brought that out clearly. (How far above sea level is that btw?)
Your heavenly blue skies always make me a bit jealous. A lovely place and I like those kri-kri goats!
ReplyDeleteWhat a peaceful place and so well kept by the nuns! Thanks for the beautiful photos and for the link to the monastery!
ReplyDeleteI wish you a lovely week-end, dear Poppy!
That is a holy place and I am sure it refreshes your spirit when you visit. The nuns do a wonderful job with the gardens.
ReplyDeletePoppy, lovely images from your visit. The monastery and flowers are beautiful! The views are lovely too. Wonderful post, thanks for sharing.. Have a happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place. The colors are spectacular and your photography as well.
ReplyDeleteYou took some amazing photos and it's a place most of us will never get to see so that makes it even more special. I love the bright sun and beautiful skies. Enjoy your weekend my friend! Hugs, Diane
ReplyDeleteAhhh, so beautiful---it always amazes me to think how old things are over there---It is a blessing to be in places touched so often by prayer.
ReplyDeleteI love when you show us the special places on your island, Poppy. Your photos beautifully convey the spiritual feeling of the monastery.
ReplyDeleteYour killing me, in a good way, with all your great scenary! I love seeing your island and reading all about it. The monastery and flowers are so pretty. That little nun is really cute!
ReplyDeleteI often look at your photos and think someday I will HAVE to visit Crete and convince my sweet blog buddy to give me a personal tour of her little slice of heaven.
ReplyDeleteThe monastery is so lovely it almost makes me want to become a nun ;).
Nah. I just snapped out of it.
I counted 11 cute little goats, but I'm sure there are more!
Enjoy your weekend! xxx
So beautiful and it appears to be very peaceful. You are now my favorite go-to blog when I need to see something beautiful and wonderful! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog and you live in a lovely location!! what a wonderful place to get away from it all!! Beautiful photos as well!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful sanctuary! Looks so peaceful and lush. I love it when you take us on field trips around stunning Crete. Happy Weekend, Poppy!!
ReplyDeleteAnd how cute are those goats :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a magical place - so many lovely things to see. Love the goats in the rocks. Your photo's are stunning and I feel like I am right there. Thanks so much Poppy, for sharing this post with us.
ReplyDeleteHave a beautiful weekend.
Mary
Lovely, I can just feel the warmth! What a peaceful, ancient place, bathed in prayer and light and surrounded by beauty. I think all of us would love to visit your world Poppy. Thank you for letting us visit in our imaginations.
ReplyDeleteHello my dear Poppy! As always, it's a joy visiting you and your beautiful blog. Your pictures are simply wonderful and I agree with Deborah, this ancient place is bathed in prayer and light.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you!
That does look like a very beautiful place. I enjoyed your photos and seeing the goats, which I was not familar with but they were fun to see.
ReplyDeleteThat is simply breath-taking! I love the kri-kris too, I only see them on TV. I can't believe I missed so many of your posts. I really need to get my act together so I won't feel left out.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing dear friend.
Hugs
Very peaceful. Lovely to see the goats! xx
ReplyDeleteHi and wow! It is absolutely gorgeous and beautiful there. Thanks for the beautiful photos Poppy! I do hope to visit Greece someday. Have a wonderful week.
ReplyDeleteJulie
I have been reading your blog and you have such beautiful photos. Always a happy visit!
ReplyDeleteYou are a wonderful travel writer for Greece dear Poppy!
ReplyDeleteEvery post you put up inspires me and I'm sure many of your readers to visit Greece.
The skies are always vivid azure blue and the sun seems to shine perpetually!
Your pictures are amazing. The light seems to be so bright still. Here, even if the weather is fine, the light isn't so bright in fall.
ReplyDeletePretty place, Poppy, and how fun to see the goats! I once worked at a convent for several months, and it really was wonderful. So peaceful and calming. But alas, I had to move on for financial reasons. But I remember it, the sisters, the building, and the grounds very fondly. Have a lovely week, dear lady! Bess
ReplyDeleteA glimpse of heaven on earth! Thank you Poppy!!
ReplyDeleteBig Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
Very chilly here today and I was thinking "I hope this is a warm sunny post' and it was :) It seems to be such a serene and peaceful place.
ReplyDeleteYou must pinch yourself everyday that you actually get to live in a place that is this BEAUTIFUL!
ReplyDeleteOMG, this is SO beautiful. Yes, breath taking, as you said. I would try to go there as often as I could if I lived close by.
ReplyDeleteAlways a pleasure to stop by Poppy and learn a little more about this beautiful part of the world!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing,
The goats would be neat to see, and I'm sure a tour of the monastery would peaceful and interesting.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely, peaceful place, Poppy. The sky in the fourth photo reminds me of the Colorado sky. . .brilliant blue. I can feel the warmth just looking at your photos. xxx ~ Nancy
ReplyDeleteHmmm - I could only see 7 goats. I like the idea that they run free and untamed!
ReplyDeleteYour pictures always make me feel that you come from a different world, Poppy. The calmness in you pictures is not what I get to see often in person. What a beautifully quiet place your place must be. A total contrast to the mad-rush in mine.
ReplyDeleteThose pictures of the sky and cloud were the best treat for my tired eyes, this morning. Have a great week ahead.
-Tanya
http://tanyaanurag.blogspot.com/
What a beautiful post and conclusion! Thank you for sharing this week on the Art of Home-Making Mondays Poppy. I love traveling here! :)
ReplyDeletePoppy,
ReplyDeleteAs I sit here in the early morning light, sipping on my first cup of coffee of the day, I am so thankful to
To be inspired by such a lovely and spiritual post. The beauty, serenity, and simplicity of this historical and active monastery is a breath of fresh air in a world that is in upheaval.
Thank you,Poppy for sharing this goodness.
Have the loveliest of weekends,
Xoxo
Jemma
Beautiful! The serenity just flows from your pictures. The pictures of the flowers surrounding the monastery are stunning. I love the Kri-kri goats too - even if they are hard to see nestled in amongst the rocks.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely worth making the trip, what a beautiful place !
ReplyDelete