On a hill in the eastern part of the Lassithi plateau the Krustallenias monastery is situated.
The monastery was built in 1241, which we can tell from an engraving that was found in its walls and 200 years later the Venetians, who ruled over Crete during that period, restored it to its present glory. During the 1856-69 revolution the monastery was the seat of the revolutionary party and depot/factory of weaponry and ammunition. The Germans used it as a prison camp during the 2nd World War and the monks that lived there at the time were forced to find other means of accommodation. Many years later these monks greatly contributed to the education of children from the surrounding villages.
