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Church of the Four Martyrs: A Modern Testament to Faith

A modern church in Rethymno honoring four local martyrs, with stunning icons and a serene atmosphere for reflection and historical exploration.

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The Church of the Four Martyrs in Rethymno stands as a tribute to local heroes who chose faith over conversion in the 19th century. This relatively new church, built in 1975, houses significant relics and icons, offering visitors a serene and historically rich experience.

A brief summary to Church of the Four Martyrs

Local tips

  • Visit during the annual celebration on October 28th to witness special ceremonies honoring the Four Martyrs.
  • Take a moment in Tessaron Martyron Square, across from the church, for quiet contemplation.
  • Explore the chapel of Saint Savvas the Sanctified in the church's basement.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Rethymno's Venetian Harbor, walk northeast along the waterfront promenade. Continue through the old town, passing local shops and cafes. Proceed until you reach the intersection with Gerakari Street, then turn left. The Church of the Four Martyrs will be on your left at number 6.

  • Public Transport

    From Heraklion, take the KTEL bus to Rethymno. Upon arrival at the Rethymno bus station, walk towards the main road (Tzami Michali), turn left, and continue until the intersection with Gerakari Street. Turn right onto Gerakari Street; the church is at number 6. Bus fares from Rethymno to nearby towns typically range from 2 to 10 EUR. From Chania, take the bus to Rethymno. Then follow the directions above.

  • Taxi

    From anywhere in Rethymno, a taxi can take you directly to Gerakari 6. Taxi fares within the city typically range from €5 to €10. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting the ride. Taxi services are readily available throughout Rethymno.

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Discover more about Church of the Four Martyrs

Located just outside Rethymno's old town, the Church of the Four Martyrs is dedicated to Angelis, Manouil, Georgios, and Nikolaos, local Cretans who were martyred in 1824. These men, who had feigned conversion to Islam to benefit from the Ottoman rule, revealed their Christian faith during the 1821 Revolution. They were arrested and, after refusing to reconvert to Islam, were tortured and beheaded. The church stands near the site of their martyrdom, honoring their unwavering faith. The current church, inaugurated in 1975, is the third built on the site, with previous structures being too small or structurally unsound. It is a three-aisled temple, with the northern aisle dedicated to the Forty Martyrs and the southern aisle to the Holy Ten. Inside, visitors can view the sacred relics of the martyrs and icons by Fotis Kontoglou. The basement features a chapel dedicated to Saint Savvas the Sanctified and a lecture hall. The church's architecture includes tall bell towers flanking the entrance and Tessaron Martyron Square located opposite the church. The site provides a peaceful atmosphere for reflection and is considered a cultural hub, sometimes hosting local events. The Church of the Four Martyrs offers a unique insight into local history and culture, commemorating the city's guardians.

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