2 euro 2016. Greece. Arkadi Monastery

The coin marks the 150th anniversary of the arson of the Arkadi Monastery. The monastery played an active role in the Cretan resistance of Ottoman rule during the Cretan revolt of 1866. 943 Greeks, mostly women and children, sought refuge in the monastery. After three days of battle and under orders from the hegumen (abbot) of the monastery, 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 resistance.The motif reproduces the Arkadi Monastery and inscribed in the center is the legend “MONASTERY OF ARKADI”. Issuing date: December 2016. Issuing volume: 742.000 coins.
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