Monastiraki, Ierapetra

Monastiraki (officially Monastirakion) is a small village in the Community of Pahia Ammos, in the Municipality of Ierapetra, in the Lasithi regional unit of Crete. It is located at an altitude of 180 meters on the slopes of Mount Thrypti, on the south side of the Ha Gorge and overlooking the Gulf of Mirabello. It is 5 kilometers from Pahia Amos and 11 kilometers from Ierapetra. According to the Kallikratis plan and the modification of Kleisthenis I, together with Pahia Amos, Vasiliki and Xerokambos, they form the community of Pahia Amos, which belongs to the municipal unit of Ierapetra of the municipality of Ierapetra, while according to the 2021 census it has 21 inhabitants.

History

Monastiraki is mentioned by Castrofylakas around 1853 as “Monastiri” with 221 inhabitants. It is believed that the monastery of Saints Constantine and Helen was originally built in the area, part of whose sanctuary is still preserved near the church of Agios Stefanos. The first houses were actually the cells of this monastery where the monks lived. In the Egyptian census of 1834 it was mentioned with 10 families, while in the census of 1981 it had 18 inhabitants. For several years there was a single resident of the village, while lately there has been an intense effort by several owners of old stone houses to renovate them, while there are many who choose it as a place of residence in an attempt to escape the intense pace of life of urban centers. About a year ago, the project of renovating the alleys of the village and creating a water supply and sewerage network and public lighting, which until then was rudimentary, was completed.

Sights

In the village there are the Byzantine church of Agios Stefanos and the church of Agios Georgios. The visitor can enjoy his coffee and try appetizers from the Cretan cuisine in the two traditional cafes of the village.

Settlement: Key Points

• Location: Located at an altitude of 180 meters on the slopes of Mount Thrypti, on the south side of the Ha Gorge and overlooking the Gulf of Mirabello. It is 5 kilometers from Pahia Amos and 11 kilometers from Ierapetra, in Lasithi, Crete, Greece.
• Historical Significance: Mentioned by Castrofylakas around 1853. Believed to be built on the site of a former monastery.
• Population:

• Current Status: A small village with recent efforts to renovate and attract residents. Offers a peaceful escape from city life. Has two traditional cafes and Byzantine churches.

References

• Wikipedia