How did the Dominican Monastery of Saint Peter become both a Catholic cathedral and a mosque? The story of this sacred place involves transformations and resilience. Let’s delve into the history of the Dominican Monastery of Saint Peter in Heraklion.
Originally, this site was a Catholic cathedral. It was known as the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul. The church was built in the early years of Venetian rule. It served as the main temple for the Dominican Order. This order was known as Domenicani Predicatori.
During Venetian times, leaders of Candia were buried here. Candia is now Heraklion. In the early years of Ottoman rule, it became a mosque. This conversion honored Sultan Ibrahim.
Architecturally, the Dominican Monastery of Saint Peter is valuable. Its French and Italian elements date back to the 13th century. This makes it significant not only locally but also in Europe. The Greek Ministry of Culture protects and preserves it. Today, it hosts festive gatherings. It also serves as a venue for international cultural and religious congresses.
The first church had a single aisle. It featured a wooden roof. A slightly projecting transept stood in front of the parsonage. The parsonage was rectangular. Two low vaults covered it. Two square chapels flanked it. The east side was square. It was adorned with a large trilobed opening.
Venetians gradually added four chapels to the south side by the 15th century. Frescoes from the 15th century still survive in one chapel. These frescoes are unique in Heraklion. All four chapels housed tombs. In the 14th century, one more chapel was added. It had an extra entrance because of its large size.
The Dominican Monastery of Saint Peter served as a model. It inspired the construction of St. Nicholas Church in Chania during the 13th and 14th centuries. Restoration work reveals similarities. These similarities link it to buildings in France and Italy. Examples include Silvanes, Venzone, and Rieti.
Earthquakes caused extensive damage. These earthquakes occurred from the 14th to the 18th centuries. The building’s large size and lack of buttresses contributed to collapses. These collapses happened in the early 14th century, early 16th century, and 18th century.
Throughout the Venetian occupation, prominent figures were buried here. This happened both inside and outside the temple. Four dukes of Crete were buried there. They include Marco Gradenigo, Giovanni Morosini, Marino Grimani, and Fillippo Orio.
With Ottoman rule, Saint Peter was converted into a mosque. This mosque honored Sultan Ibrahim. A minaret was added to the southwest corner. Restoration revealed elements of the Ottoman period. These include the mosque’s mihrab and pebbled floors. A ceramic kiln was also found.
Excavations have revealed tombs. These tombs date to the second Byzantine period. A dwelling from the Arab period was discovered beneath them. The finds are now in the Historical Museum.
The Dominican Monastery of Saint Peter has been rebuilt. It stands as a testament to history. It is open to the public on June 29 each year. This day is dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul. Religious services are held. Exhibitions of icons and religious art are hosted.
Today, the Dominican Monastery of Saint Peter stands as a monument. It reflects the layers of history. It embodies the cultural and religious heritage of Heraklion.