Background

Church of the Four Martyrs: A Modern Testament to Faith

A modern church in Rethymno honoring four local martyrs who refused to renounce their faith, a symbol of resilience and devotion.

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The Church of the Four Martyrs in Rethymno stands as a relatively new yet deeply significant religious site, consecrated in 1975. It honors Angelis, Manouil, Georgios, and Nikolaos, local Cretan martyrs who were executed in 1824 for refusing to renounce their Christian faith. The church serves as a powerful symbol of resilience and devotion for the city's inhabitants.

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Local tips

  • Visit during the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and to experience the church in a quieter atmosphere.
  • Dress respectfully when visiting; shoulders and knees should be covered.
  • Take a moment to light a candle and reflect on the sacrifices of the Four Martyrs.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Rethymno, the Church of the Four Martyrs is easily accessible on foot. Head east from the Rimondi Fountain along Ethnikis Antistaseos. Continue straight, and the church will be on your left, east of Plateia Tessaron Martiron. The walk is generally flat and takes about 5-10 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by bus at Rethymno's main bus station, walk east towards the city center. You can catch a local bus heading towards the eastern part of the city and disembark near the Plateia Tessaron Martiron. From there, the church is a short walk away. Local bus tickets cost approximately €1-2.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Rethymno. A short taxi ride from the city center to the Church of the Four Martyrs will cost approximately €5-€10. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver beforehand. Taxi is a fast way to get to the church, especially during the hotter parts of the day.

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Discover more about Church of the Four Martyrs

The Church of the Four Martyrs, Rethymno's largest church, is a modern architectural testament to enduring faith. Inaugurated in 1975, it is the third church on the site to be dedicated to the Four Martyrs. These martyrs – Angelis, Manouil, Georgios, and Nikolaos – were Cretan men who, during Ottoman rule, outwardly feigned conversion to Islam for social and economic benefits but remained Christian in secret. When the Greek Revolution of 1821 erupted, they openly joined the Cretan rebels, revealing their true allegiance. After Crete was subdued in 1824, they were arrested for apostasy. Offered clemency in exchange for reconversion to Islam, they refused and were executed on October 28, 1824. Their skulls are now housed in a reliquary within the church, and are considered relics by the locals. The church itself is a three-aisled temple; the northern aisle is dedicated to the Forty Martyrs (celebrated March 9th) and the southern aisle to the Holy Ten (commemorated December 23rd). The iconostasis features icons commissioned in 1955, and the basement contains a chapel dedicated to Saint Sabbas the Sanctified, as well as a lecture hall. The church stands east of the square of the same name, close to the site of their martyrdom.

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