Monasteries
In 668 Pope Vitalian of Rome sent two letters to Paul, Archbishop of Crete, on the settlement of various administrative matters. Among other things, mention is made of the Monasteries of Palaia and Arsilli, which were to return to the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Lappa. This reference testifies to the existence of monasteries on the island as early as the 7th century.
The three-nave church at Paliani Monastery, referred to in 668 AD as Palia ("Ancient"), 2007 (Yiannis Harkoutsis)
Columns in the courtyard of Paliani Monastery, from an earlier phase in the church's history. As early as 668 AD, the monastery is referred to as Palia ("Ancient"), 2007 (photograph: Yiannis Harkoutsis)
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