There are documents concerning the Monastery since 1400. It was one of the most important monastic and spiritual centres of Crete. It was a centre of the revolution of 1866 against the Turks and, as a result, it was greatly damaged.

The Monastery' s Katholicon is a two-aisled church dedicated to St Antonius and the Apostle Thomas. The northern aisle is posterior to the rest of the church. The frescoes as well as the 15 th century portable icons of the painter Angelou, are unique. In the Monastery' s entrance, one can see a 15 th century monumental fountain with relief decoration.

Today the Monastery is still a refuge of monastic life.