According to tradition, the monastery of the Panagia Gouverniotissa was built by a Byzantine King who came to Crete after its liberation from the Arabs in 961 A.D. The cruciform church has two aisles of the same height, and a dome in the centre. The dome has arches with windows in them. The church contains some elegant frescoes dominated by the Pantocrator in the dome. The church, high up on a hill, has a pleasant view of the green valley below. The monastery's valuable icons, carved wooden altar screen and sanctuary doors are on display in the Historical Museum of Crete in Iraklion.

The keys for both churches are held by the custodian of the church of the Panagia Gouverniotissa.