Another architectural style developed later when the Byzantine empire was suffering from the attacks by the Crusaders, Arabs, and pirates, was simply composed of a single rectangular room (monohoros). The large majority of the churches of Crete are of this style. These churches are often very small, and they do not have an impressive external appearance. However, their carefully chosen location often has an exceptional view and their interior decoration with frescoes will reward inspection.

Examples of such churches in Crete are Agios Stefanos in Drakona, Kissamos (9C) and the Panagia of Gonia, Kissamos (12C), and the single-aisled church of Agios Nikolaos in Agios Nikolaos, which is also domed (8C or 9C), Afentis Christos, Potamies; the Panagia, Agios Ioannis, Sfakia; Agios Georgios, Komitades; Agios Antonios, Avdou; Agios Georgios, Apodoulou; the Panagia, Alikambos; Michael Archangelos, Arhanes; Agia Pelagia, Ano Viannos; Agii Apostoli, Lithines.