The Holy Monastery of Saint Irene lies on the foothills of Mount Vrysinas, north-west of the town of Rethymnos. It’s one of the older monasteries of Crete and dates back to the 2nd Byzantine period (Photographs by Nikos Loupakis).

As well as divine worship, the nuns also engage in icon-painting, sewing articles for the Church, and the preparation of traditional Cretan products (olive oil, wine, soap and so on).

Besides this, the nuns also weave traditional handiwork and ecclesiastical vestments for priests and bishops, from silk and linen and following the Byzantine tradition.

Contact telephone numbers are: 28310-27791; cell phone 6975 518972; e-mail: [email protected]