Fourni, Agios Nikolaos

Fourni is a village in the Municipality of Agios Nikolaos, Lasithi regional unit, Crete, Greece. It is located at an altitude of 320 meters on a fertile plain (“polgi” in Greek), 7 kilometers from Neapoli and 22 kilometers from Agios Nikolaos. The village has a population of 197 residents (2021 census).

Fourni is known for its numerous churches and monasteries, earning it the nickname “The Mount Athos of Crete.” The village also boasts traditional architecture, with many examples of Venetian-era buildings.

History

• Venetian Period:

  • 1577: The villages of Ano Fourni (Upper Fourni) and Kato Fourni (Lower Fourni) are mentioned in Venetian records. Kato Fourni was also known as Abramochori, after the Venetian-Cretan Abrami family who lived there.
  • 1583: The census of Castrophylacas records 581 inhabitants in Kato Fourni and 199 in Ano Fourni.
  • 1834: The Egyptian census mentions “Kato Fourne” with 40 Christian families and “Epano Fourne” with 30 Christian families.

• Late 19th Century:

  • 1881: The census records 414 Christians and 38 Muslims in Kato Fourni and 237 Christians and 21 Muslims in Ano Fourni.

• 20th Century:

  • 1900: The two villages are referred to as Ano Chorio (Upper Village) and Kato Chorio (Lower Village).
  • 1930: Ano Chorio and Kato Chorio were merged and renamed Fourni.

Landmarks

• Churches and Monasteries: Fourni has a large number of churches and monasteries, mostly built in the 16th and 17th centuries.
• Venetian Architecture: Examples of Venetian architecture can be seen throughout the village.
• Artificial Well: An artificial well containing clay vessels from the Final Neolithic and Early Neolithic periods has been discovered.

Villages within Fourni

Fourni is composed of three distinct villages:

• Kastelli: (See separate entry for Kastelli, Fourni)
• Kato Chorio (Lower Village)
• Pano Chorio (Upper Village)

Surrounding Area

The wider area of Fourni includes the hamlets of:

• Syrmesso
• Skouras
• Chavgas
• Chondrovolakoi

Village Key Points

• Historical References:
  • 1577 Venetian records
  • 1583 census of Castrophylacas
• Location: Municipality of Agios Nikolaos, Lasithi regional unit, Crete, Greece. 7 km from Neapoli, 22 km from Agios Nikolaos.
• Altitude: 320 meters.
• Historical Significance: Known for its numerous churches and monasteries, Venetian architectural influences.
• Population:

• Current Status: Active village, known for its religious sites and traditional character.