The monastery of St. George of Selinari is situated on a lush green hillside driving from Neapoli to Malia. Tourists frequently visit it, but the Cretans are also known to come here quite regularly as this is where the locals burn a candle when they have had a near-escape from, yet another, car accident. On top of the mountain facing the monastery you can make out a large cross. This was built in honor of the founder of the monastery and Saint George is in fact buried at the foot of this magnificent cross. Especially at night, when this beautiful cross is lit, it is quite an astonishing sight. The monastery is also known to function somewhat as a home for the elderly, which is rather unusual as on Crete the children usually take care of their parents. Nursing homes such as those in our own country are a rarity on Crete. So when you are driving in the direction of Heraklion, coming from the east, take a minute to stop and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of this unique monastery and light a small candle in its chapel.
