One of his magnificent monastic complexes Cretan Renaissanceher holy monastery The Holy Trinity Jagarolo, enters a new era. The study on the transformation of the former Priestly School in the monastery into the Patriarchal Research Establishment “Patriarch Bartholomew” received the unanimous approval of the Central Archaeological Council, which draws attention to the precious heritage of the Cretan Renaissance and to the multi-potential perspective of the historical cells of Megalonis in our century.

The study was prepared in School of Architects of the Technical University of Crete with Academic Supervisor Amalia Kotsakis, Professor at the School of Architecture at the Technical University of Crete, Vice Dean and Director of the School’s Postgraduate Program. This is a comprehensive proposal, since the redevelopment includes both the allocation of the surroundings of the monastery, and the transformation of adjacent cottages into hospitality premises.

The Monastery of the Holy Trinity of Tsagarola is located 15 kilometers from Chania, on the peninsula of Akrotiri, and was started in 1611 in the Venetian period by Hieromonk Jeremiah Tsagarolas. The special architectural composition of the complex was completed in the 19th century. A modern approach hopes to highlight a unique architectural monument, important not only for Crete, but for the whole country.

“Transformation of the former Priestly School of the Holy Trinity Tsagaroli into the Patriarchal Research Institute. “Patriarch Bartholomew” this undoubtedly contributes to the viability of the monastery, inextricably links it with the local community and gives it the highest possible prestige,” says Amalia Kotsaki. “It especially strengthens its centuries-old contribution to education, expands it and certainly strengthens the presence of the monastery at the local, national and international level. At the same time, it strengthens religious tourism, especially if the monastery joins the network of Venetian monasteries in Crete, with possible interconnection with the European counterpart, an option that will contribute to the inclusion of the monastery and the entire network in the list of monuments UNESCO“.

The complex project, the transformation of a historic monastery into a research institution, was supported by a research team that included professors Alexandros Vazakas (dean of the school), Maria Stavroulaki, Maria Mandalaki, Yiannis Tsaras, Panita Karamanea, Noni Maravelaki, Kostas Providakis, Antonis Vafeidis, as well as external partners Giorgos Tsugaris (mechanical engineer) and Char. Akrivas (surveyor). During the preparation of the project, there were also a large number of undergraduates and graduate students. male and female students who participated, reaping valuable benefits from knowledge and experience.

Also at all stages of the project, archaeologist and curator emeritus Michalis Andrianakis, consultant of the research program, was undividedly supported. The successful completion of the work is also largely due to the excellent collaboration with the Ephorate of Antiquities of Chania, as well as with the Holy Monastery of the Holy Trinity of Tsagaroli and especially with its abbot, the theophilist Bishop Dorilaios Mr. Damascene.

A modern hyperlocal center with hospitality capabilities is being created.

“The Holy Trinity of Tsagarolos is part of an important artistic movement of the Cretan Renaissance, which represents the main cultural characteristic of Crete, contributing to the identity of the island,” says Amalia Kotsaki. “In addition, the monastery is part of an important group of Renaissance monasteries in Crete. The formation of the network of Renaissance monasteries of Crete can play a decisive role in the illumination of the so-called Cretan Renaissance, since it offers a concentrated multiple artistic expression of this period, such as architecture, art and, of course, tangible and intangible. cultural heritage, which makes them Venetian monasteries “the theaters of the Cretan Renaissance”.

multifunctional building

This complex reading of the heritage of the Cretan Renaissance on the example of the Holy Trinity of Tsagaroli will give Crete a modern center of a supra-local character. The planned patriarchal institution includes a conference center, a patriarchal apartment, a library-office-archive, exhibition space, as well as the necessary ancillary and sanitary facilities. “The aim of the proposal is to create a multifunctional building that will contribute to the development of the monastery’s activities and strengthen its social mission, while at the same time preserving the religious character of monastic life,” the research team notes.

Amalia Kotsaki also focuses our interest on the “cohabitation” peasant-worker settlement outside the fence, north of the monastery. “This is a “small village” of 18 small houses in four blocks, which began to be built in the 17th century and lasted until the 19th century to accommodate the “couples” and “masochts”, workers in the agricultural activities of the monastery. Refurbished while retaining its austere style, it can offer hospitality along with the experience of monastic life.”

The nature around the monastery remains unchanged, surrounded by large arable land of its own with olive oil and wine production. “A rare cultural landscape is formed by the coexistence of a monument and a place of special natural beauty.”