The monastery played an active role in the Cretan resistance of Ottoman rule during the Cretan Revolt 1866 . 943 Greeks, mostly women and children, sought refuge in the monastery. After three days of battle , the Cretans blew up barrels of gunpowder, choosing to sacrifice themselves rather than surrender.

The monastery became a national sanctuary in honor of the Cretan Ressistance. 8 November is a day of commemorative parties in Arkadi and Rethymno. The explosion did not end the Cretan insurrection, but it attracted the attention of the rest of the world.

Location : https://goo.gl/maps/yv6ivSxpG2Q9uMCQ7

Note: If you have the stomach , when you visit the monastery try to find a well hidden but accessible room with all the bones that are preserved from the victims of the monastery's holocaust in 1866   .

The Melidoni cave was used for religious ceremonies. During the Minoan Civilization, it was a place of worship for Talos the bronze giant guardian of Crete who protected the island of Crete from enemies.  It is of archaeological and historical interest. In October 1823, 370 women and children and 30 warriors who hid from the Ottomans sought refuge in the Melidoni cave. When the Ottoman's King found out, the cave was surrounded by his army and he asked Cretan people to surrender.  When they refused to do so, Ottomans started to attack them. Three months later they dropped combustible materials into an opening leading to the cave and set it on fire. Walking down the cave it has one chamber "The Chamber of Curtains", which is adorned with impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

Location : https://goo.gl/maps/CZRnbNjzoEYRaXWU9

Note: Carry some water with you as you won't be able to find some easily or if you do it will be extremely overpriced.