Voni

Voni

  • LocationLocated in the Minoa Pediada municipality, 30 km from Heraklion
  • Altitude330 meters
  • PopulationAround 600
  • Religious tourismKnown for the female monastery of Saint Marina
  • History: The village's existence dates back to the Late Minoan period, with a strong Turkish presence during the Ottoman period
  • Churches: Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior and the Monastery of Saint Marina
  • Festivities: A large three-day festival and market on July 17 for the feast of Saint Marina

Voni is famous for its religious tourism due to its female monastery in the village that is dedicated to Agia Marina.

The village of Voni, located in the wider area of Minoa Pediada, is an important religious destination due to the female monastery of Saint Marina. Built at an altitude of 330 meters among hills, it is about 30 kilometers from Heraklion and has around 600 permanent residents, most of whom are engaged in agriculture. The village is particularly known for kapriko, a traditional Cretan recipe with pork meat.

The municipal district of Voni also includes the settlement of Galatas. The area's history dates back to the Late Minoan period, as evidenced by the loutiform sarcophagus found in 1957. During the Turkish occupation, Voni was known as Dedeler Küyü, the "village of the Dervishes" and was granted by the Sultan for the maintenance of the Bektashi tekke.

The residents of Voni hold tradition dear, and every year on July 17, a large three-day festival is organized for the feast of Saint Marina, featuring a market and celebrations. The village is also home to the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior.