Church

The monastery of the Prophet Ilias is located just outside the village of Roustika (approximately 17km south-west of Rethymnon Town) 

According to inscriptions on two bells on the site, work started on the existing monastery in 1637.  However, when the Turks conquered the island in 1646 work on the monastery was halted.  Construction resumed in 1667.

As with other monasteries in the region the monastery of Prophet Ilias played an important role as a centre of resistance during Turkish rule.  The monastery thrived until 1821 when it was destroyed by the Turks.  It was rebuilt in 1831, but was once again destroyed by the Turks in 1866.