The monastery is in the western mountainous part of Asterousia at an altitude of 440m, in an area that was the core of the monastic movement in southern Crete.

It was probably founded in the 16th century and became an important spiritual centre, as confirmed by the presence of a workshop for copying manuscripts. Important spiritual figures of the 16th and 17th centuries are associated with the monastery. During the revolutions of 1821 and 1866, the Ottomans destroyed the monastery in retaliation for the monks’ contribution to the liberation struggle. The monastery was however soon restored and reopened. By the beginning of the 20th century, the brotherhood had 21 monks.

The monastery was a fortress rectangular in shape, with towers and ramparts. However, the destructions of the 19th century altered its architecture. Today within the precinct we can see buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. The main church is three-aisled, dedicated to Saint Anthony, the Transfiguration of the Saviour and the three Holy Hierarchs. It was reconstructed in 1837, according to an inscription.

The monastery hosts a collection of ecclesiastic art objects, manuscripts, and books.