The Monastery of Diskouri is located near the village of Livadia. Its foundation dates back to the Venetian period. The operation of the Monastery as a seat of revolutionaries during the revolutions of 1821 and 1866 resulted in the destruction of a significant part of its older buildings. The reconstructions of the end of the 19th and 20th centuries. they caused a change in the older form of the space.
In the center of the complex is the church of Agios Georgios. Wings are developed around the temple, housing industrial areas such as an olive press, a flax mill and warehouses in the eastern wing, while the cells, the Bank and the Abbot occupy the remaining areas. The entrance to the complex is on the north side and is formed by an arched pillar, where the date 1890 is preserved. In accordance with the customary law of the region, cattle breeders who were accused of animal theft swore to the religious icon of the Monastery, the icon of Saint George, in order to convince them of their innocence. In the oath, reference was made to the ancient god Zeus, bringing the custom back to antiquity: “Nice life, I swear to you and own it, as I am not to blame for your deed, my work, my land.” (Yes, in the name of Zeus, I tell you to know, I did not harm you, by my act or my intention.). The image is captioned:
THIS IMAGE EXISTS OF THE MONASTERY OF THE DISCOURIOUS EVENT OF THE Exodus OF THEOPHILESTATUS SAINT PETHYMNIS AND AVLOPOTAMOS KYRI KALLINIKOUS TO THE HOLY AMBASSADORS BLESS YOU KING CHRIST IN YOUR KINGDOM AFTER PARENTS AND SIBLINGS THIS MARCH.
It is considered one of the oldest monasteries in Crete. At a distance of a few meters from the Monastery, to its southwest, is the wall-painted church of Agios Ioannis the Forerunner. The frescoes, the work of two artists, date from the 14th century. and cover all the surfaces of the temple. Special among them is the representation of the owners of the temple, which gives many details about the clothing and headdress of the time.
