The ancient city of Eleutherna in Crete, a significant center of power and culture from the Bronze Age to the Byzantine era with rich archaeological remains, including houses, public buildings, sanctuaries, and necropolises.
Adele, a village in Rethymno, Crete, boasts a rich history dating back to the Minoan era, evidenced by archaeological finds like the Late Minoan chamber tomb. Its name, possibly derived from Greek or Arabic origins, first appeared in Venetian records in 1577. During the Ottoman period, it housed both Christians and Turks. A tragic event occurred during WWII when 30 villagers were executed by German occupiers, a memorial now stands at Sarakina. The village's economy thrives on olive and grape cultivation, with a cooperative producing olive oil. Landmarks include Venetian architecture, the Agios Panteleimon church, and other smaller churches. The village has a population of 489 (2011 census).
Agia Anna, near Nefs Amari, Crete, features 12th-century origins and 14th-century renovations. It houses 1225 Byzantine frescoes, including the Deesis and Cretan saints like Apostle Titus. The church's 1196 inscription marks its early phase, reflecting Byzantine art evolution in Crete. The frescoes, though aged, retain vibrancy, showcasing artistic and spiritual heritage. Located in the Amari Valley, the site offers insights into Crete's historical and cultural context, despite occasional access restrictions.
The Agia Anna basilica in Eleutherna offers insights into the city's transformation into a Christian center. Learn about its location, history, and significance.
Agia Foteini, a village in Crete's Amari Valley, 33km southeast of Rethymno, was established in the 1950s at 500m altitude, on the site of ancient Syvritos.
Excavations reveal Hellenistic and Roman era findings. The village, recognized in 1961, serves as the administrative seat of Amari Municipality since 2011, housing public services. Population growth is recorded from 1961, reflecting its development as a local hub. Its location near Apostoloi and ancient Syvritos links its recent history to the area's long past.
A coastal village in southern Crete, combines ancient history with modern amenities. It features a mix of old and new, from ancient ruins to tavernas and shops.
Located in Kalogeros, Rethymno, Crete, the 14th-century Agia Marina Church is a Byzantine structure built in 1300 AD, evidenced by an inscription. It houses a rich collection of frescoes depicting scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary, the Christological cycle, the Pantocrator, and numerous saints. The church's interior frescoes, notable for their vibrant colors and carved haloes, have undergone restoration by the Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities, though some deterioration persists. The exterior remains unrestored, covered in plaster and whitewash. Situated within the village cemetery, Agia Marina offers insights into the artistic and religious traditions of the Amari region during the Byzantine era, and its artistic style suggests connections to other regional churches. The village of Kalogeros, known for its traditional architecture, celebrates Saint Athanasios and Cyril on January 18th.
Agia Paraskevi, near Kalogerou in Amari, Crete, is a 16th-century Venetian-era church with a free cross floor plan and a dome on a cylindrical drum. Reconstructed in 1888, it retains original Venetian frescoes, notably in an arcosolium depicting Christ and kneeling figures, including a Georgios Chortatzis. The church's architecture and frescoes, along with the Chortatzis burial, highlight Venetian influence in Crete. The identity of Georgios Chortatzis, possibly linked to archons or a playwright, remains debated. The church is active and open to visitors.
The Agioi Theodoroi Church, located in Nefs Amari, Crete, is a small, single-aisled structure with a tiled roof. Its construction date is unknown, but frescoes dated 1588 and 1731 indicate it predates the later date. The church features a bell tower depicting the Virgin Mary and is dedicated to Saints Theodore of Tyro and Theodore Stratelates, celebrated on the first Saturday of Lent. While the church remains standing, the frescoes are in a state of disrepair.
Agios Antonios cave sanctuary, situated on Veni Hill in Amari, Rethymno, Crete, reveals a blend of Minoan, Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman history. Originally a Minoan worship site, it evolved into a Byzantine monastery dedicated to Agios Antonios. It served as a refuge for Cretan rebels, earning the name "Pnyka of Crete," and faced Ottoman attacks. The site is linked to Arkadi Monastery and features a holy spring, monastic cells, and remnants of past monks. Currently under restoration, the cave holds ancient clay basins and celebrates Agios Antonios' feast day. The location offers views of the Psiloritis range, reflecting Crete's spiritual and resistance heritage.
Agios Georgios Xifoforos, a mid-13th-century Byzantine church located near Apodoulou in Crete's Amari region, boasts well-preserved frescoes and a single-aisled, barrel-vaulted architecture. Dedicated to Saint George (Xifoforos), the church exemplifies Byzantine art and religious traditions. Its frescoes offer valuable insights into the cultural and artistic practices of the era. The church's history, potentially linked to a monastery, remains partially unclear. Today, it serves as a place of worship and pilgrimage, open to visitors interested in Byzantine architecture and religious art.
Agios Onoufrios Church, constructed in 1329/1330 near Genna, Amari, Crete, is a single-aisled, barrel-vaulted Byzantine chapel with a semi-circular apse.
Built by the Varouchas family, its frescoes, dating to its construction, depict religious scenes like the Deesis, Annunciation, and Crucifixion, showing connections to the Macedonian School. A rare, well-preserved stone templon and glazed ceramic plates decorate the entrance. The church's artistic style links it to other regional churches, such as those in Margarites, Chalepa, Lampiotes, and Apodoulou.
Agios Vassilios is a settlement located in the Rethymno regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Agios Vassilios
Oaxos, also known as Axos, was an ancient Cretan city in the Mylopotamos region, inhabited from the Neolithic to the Venetian period. It was known for its strategic location, association with the Idaean Cave, and connections with cities like Knossos and Eleutherna.
Archaeological findings reveal remnants from various periods, including cyclopean walls, terracotta idols, and bronze molds. Oaxos participated in interstate contracts and had its own coinage, featuring Apollo, Artemis, and Zeus, reflecting religious beliefs. The city was a member of the Cretan "Koinon."
Oaxos was eventually destroyed by the Venetians. Today, only a few ruins remain, with some artifacts housed in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
The Goulediana olive tree, a mastoeidis variety, dates to approximately 1750 years old, evidenced by its growth rings. This 12-meter tall tree with a 17.5-meter circumference reflects the deep-rooted tradition of olive cultivation in Crete, near the Onithe archaeological site. The tree symbolizes peace, prosperity, and longevity, central to Cretan culture and economy. Olive oil is a staple in the Cretan diet, and the olive harvest is a significant annual event, highlighting the tree's cultural significance and historical importance. The gnarled trunk shows centuries of growth, connecting to the area's ancient economic activities.
Ancient Syvritos, located on Thronos Kefala hill, dates from the Late Minoan III period to the early Venetian era. It was a significant Cretan city-state, known in Linear B tablets as "su-ki-ri-ta," with its own currency and territory spanning the Amari valley to Soulia port (Agia Galini). The city, a bishopric by 451 AD, features ruins of an acropolis, houses with mosaics, and water infrastructure. Artifacts, including coins depicting Dionysus and Zeus, are housed in the Rethymno Archaeological Museum, reflecting Syvritos's role in Minoan, Geometric, Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. The city declined by the late 8th century, leaving ruins that offer insight into Crete's history.
Apostoloi, located 30km southeast of Rethymno, Crete, is a village with historical records dating to 1577, noted by Francesco Barozzi. It has demographic records from Venetian and Ottoman censuses, including a 1583 count of 175 inhabitants and later Ottoman designations. The village, part of the Amari region at 500 meters elevation, features churches like Agios Nikolaos and Agios Spyridonas, reflecting its cultural heritage. A primary school, established in 1916, highlights its educational commitment. With a population of 162, Apostoloi maintains its rural identity, showcasing traditional Cretan architecture and enduring community traditions.
Armenoi, a traditional village in Rethymno, Crete, boasts a rich history dating back to the Minoan civilization. Excavations have revealed a Late Minoan cemetery, and the village's name is linked to Armenian soldiers who settled there in the 10th century.
During the Venetian period, Armenoi was divided into Ano and Kato Armenoi. The village endured a turbulent World War II era, with the Germans establishing a military camp in the area. Despite the hardships faced, Armenoi has thrived, maintaining its cultural heritage and developing a diverse economy.
Armenoi is home to several notable churches and has a strong educational tradition, with one of the first schools in the prefecture established in Armenoi in 1881. Today, Armenoi is a vibrant community with a mix of agricultural and commercial activities.
Axos, located in the Mylopotamos Municipality in Crete, Greece, is a village steeped in history. It sits on the slopes of Mount Psiloritis, offering panoramic views. In ancient times, the city of Oaxos thrived in this location, leaving behind ruins of an acropolis, temples, and tombs. Axos flourished during the Byzantine era, as evidenced by the nine remaining churches dating back to that period. The village also boasts a medieval fountain and over ten natural springs. Today, Axos is a destination for agritourism and those interested in exploring the ancient city of Oaxos. The population of Axos has fluctuated over the centuries, with 385 residents recorded in the 2011 census.
Chordaki, also known as Chordakion, is a small village in the Amari municipality of Rethymno, Crete. Its history is documented from 1372, during Venetian rule, through Ottoman occupation, and into modern Greece. The village includes the churches of Agia Anna and Panagia Faneromeni, the latter containing frescoes and a 1634 inscription mentioning monks Meletios and Konstantinos Varouchas. Population records exist from 1583, showing fluctuations under different regimes, down to a current population of 5. A primary school operated here from 1950 to 1970.
Chromonastiri is a traditional Cretan village with a rich history dating back to the 12th century. It's located 11 kilometers southeast of Rethymno, near Mount Vrysinas. The village is known for its Venetian-era architecture, particularly the restored Villa Claudio, now home to the Chromonastiri Military Museum.
Chromonastiri also boasts several significant Byzantine churches, including the 11th-century Church of Panagia Kera with its unique architectural features and surviving frescoes. The Church of Agios Eftychios at Perdiki Metochi is another notable Byzantine church, featuring impressive frescoes and a distinct folk art style.
The village square houses the renovated Prinari olive mill, now an educational center showcasing the history of olive oil production and traditional Cretan life. Chromonastiri is a designated traditional settlement, offering visitors a glimpse into Crete's cultural heritage through its architecture, religious sites, and historical landmarks.
Elenes, situated in Crete's Amari Valley, 37km southeast of Rethymno, is a village with a rich history dating back to Minoan times, as evidenced by archaeological findings. The village, first noted in 1577 as Selenes, features significant Byzantine-era monuments like Agios Nikolaos church with 13th-century frescoes. Historical records show population fluctuations, with current inhabitants engaged in agriculture, maintaining the village's traditional character. The name likely derives from churches dedicated to Agia Eleni. Elenes has seen various administrative changes, now part of Amari Municipality since 2011.
Genna, in Crete's Amari Municipality, features a rich history from Minoan to Venetian eras. The village houses a Late Minoan III chamber tomb and a Hellenistic-Roman cemetery, linking it to ancient Sybrita. Historical records note Venetian and Ottoman presence, with documented population changes. The area, known for its fertility, includes 14th-century churches with Byzantine frescoes, such as Saint Onoufrios and Saint Stephen. An ancient olive tree, over 2000 years old, stands nearby, reflecting the village's agricultural heritage. The village also has a spring with potable water and a shaded area.
Goulediana, a small mountain village nestled in the Rethymno regional unit of Crete, Greece, presents a captivating blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Perched at an altitude of 540 meters in a small valley, this quaint village is located 18 kilometers from the city of Rethymno.
Though absent from Venetian censuses, Goulediana is believed to have existed as a metochi, a dependency of a monastery. The village's history stretches back to the Archaic period, as evidenced by the Onithi archaeological site southeast of the village. This site features remnants of a fortified acropolis, houses, and a monumental fountain dating to the 7th-6th century BC. Further historical significance is found in the Early Christian basilica at Kera Onithi, dating to the 5th century AD. Goulediana also boasts several churches of note, including the 1787 Agia Kyriaki with its sanctuary housed within a cave, Agia Varvara, and the Genethlio tis Theotokou. The wider Goulediana area encompasses churches such as the Panagia Kera, Zoodochos Pigi, Koimisis tis Theotokou, Agios Antonios (cave), and Metamorphosis tou Sotira. Despite its rich historical tapestry, Goulediana has experienced a declining population in recent years.
Gourgouthoi, an abandoned village in Crete's Amari Valley, bears a history from the Venetian era, with records dating back to that period. The village features 15th-century churches like Agios Georgios (Merkatone) and Zoodochos Pigi, as well as a 14th-century Byzantine church, Agios Ioannis Prodromos and Agia Anna, with fresco remnants. In 1944, Nazi forces destroyed Gourgouthoi, executing male residents, leaving ruins and a few seasonal residences. Located 42 kilometers from Rethymno, at 680 meters elevation, the area is known for fruit trees and natural springs. The name possibly derives from "gourgouthos," meaning small water pools, or Latin "gurguetium," meaning hut.
Ideon Antron Cave, also known as "Spiliara" or "Cave of the Shepherdess," is located high on the slopes of Mount Ida on the Nida Plateau, Crete, 20 km from Anogia village at 1498 meters above sea level. In Greek mythology, this is where Rhea hid Zeus from Cronus. Archaeological excavations have revealed a rich history of human activity, dating back to the Neolithic period. The cave was used for worship for centuries, with peak activity during the Geometric and Archaic periods. It's open to the public from July to November, except on Tuesdays.
The Afentis Christos Church, a Byzantine structure overlooking Ano Meros, is a focal point for local faith, highlighted by annual August 6th feasts with communal meals and traditional celebrations. Kaloeidena Monastery, now largely in ruins, needs preservation, despite its historical and spiritual value. Both sites reflect Amari Valley's enduring traditions, with efforts aimed to revitalize Kaloeidena, ensuring its role as a cultural and religious landmark. The church stands as a testament to the local community's deep-rooted faith, while the monastery's restoration aims to preserve Crete’s heritage.
Explore the Koules in Vathiako, a ruined Ottoman fortress in Crete, and learn about its role in controlling the island and protecting the Muslim village
Koxare, a village in the Agios Vasileios municipality near Rethymno, Crete, is located on the foothills of Mount Kouroupa. Known for its fertile land and strategic location, it's near the Kourtaliotiko Gorge. The village's history traces back to the Middle Minoan period, evidenced by a Minoan peak sanctuary discovered at 735m. Koxare was also home to the Kallergis family and was the site of significant conflicts during the Ottoman occupation and World War II. Residents beheaded the Turkish leader Deli Mustafa in 1821, and many Christians were killed in the Koxare gorge in 1878. The village was destroyed in 1944 by Occupation troops. Koxare's name is attributed to its first settler, a descendant of a Byzantine family.
Margarites, a historic village nestled in the mountains of Crete, is renowned for its rich pottery tradition that dates back to the Minoan era.
With a population of around 300, the village has seen its share of historical changes, from ancient Minoan and Roman times to the Venetian and Ottoman rule. Today, Margarites is a thriving hub for pottery production, with numerous workshops and studios showcasing the craftsmanship of its artisans. Visitors can witness pottery-making demonstrations, participate in workshops, and even create their own pieces. The village's pottery reflects influences from Minoan, ancient Greek, Byzantine, and Venetian periods. Margarites offers a unique blend of history, culture, and craftsmanship, making it a captivating destination for those seeking to explore the heart of Cretan traditions.
Meronas, in Rethymno's Amari valley, features a rich history from antiquity to Ottoman rule. Notable are Byzantine churches with 14th-16th century frescoes, a Venetian-era tower, and the 19th-century Koules. The village's cultural association preserves traditions with events like Carnival, Easter celebrations, and music schools. Historical records date to 1301, with population fluctuations noted from the 16th to 21st centuries. The village includes the churches of Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Panagia Mavridiani, and Saint Panteleimon, showcasing varied architectural and artistic periods.
Mouses, an abandoned village near Mourtzana in Rethymno, Crete, reflects the island's rural past. The village's history likely mirrored other Cretan settlements, with population fluctuations due to historical events and economic shifts. Abandoned watermills highlight Mouses's role as a center for milling grain in the pre-industrial era, crucial for producing flour and other grain-based products. The village's current state reflects the rural depopulation seen in Crete during the 20th century. Mouses stands as a testament to the passage of time, with its abandoned watermills offering a glimpse into traditional practices. Although no longer inhabited, Mouses retains historical significance, providing a resource for understanding Crete's rural past.
The Mycenaean Acropolis of Orne in south Crete offers a glimpse into the Late Bronze Age. Discover its fortifications, buildings, and artifacts, and learn about its historical significance.
Amari, a Cretan village at 460m, has origins from antiquity, with mentions in 1225 and Venetian records. It became Nevs Amari under Ottoman rule, serving as a capital. A resistance hub in WWII, it saw German destruction in 1944. Its name may derive from Latin "love" or a ruler. Key sites include Byzantine churches (Agia Anna, Agios Theodoros, Agioi Anargyroi, Kera Panagia), Asomaton Monastery, and a Venetian bell tower. Once a center of learning, it now focuses on agriculture, maintaining authentic Cretan traditions. Population fluctuated, currently at 111.
Explore the remnants of the Church of Panagia in the deserted village of Smilés, Crete. Discover its 14th-century frescoes and learn about its historical significance
Panagia Kera, near Nefs Amari, is a 15th-century three-aisled basilica, constructed over a 13th-century cross-in-square church, potentially an earlier Apollo temple site. This Byzantine masterpiece features frescoes, including the Dormition of the Virgin and Ascension, and the Kallergis family coat of arms, linking it to the Venetian period. Once a monastery katholikon under Moni Asomaton, it stands amidst ancient olive groves, with remnants of its past visible in the sanctuary and surrounding area, reflecting Crete's rich historical layers and cultural influences.
Panagia Mavridiani, or Church of the Nativity of Mary, stands near Meronas, Crete, with origins in the 13th century, expanded in the 15th and 16th. The church features two aisles; the older, 13th-century section displays Byzantine architecture with a domed, single-nave design and 13th-century fresco remnants. The northern aisle, dedicated to Saints Constantine and Helen, was added in the 16th century. Frescoes, though partially lost, portray scenes like the Nativity of Mary, Annunciation, Ascension, and Second Coming, alongside saints such as Gregory, Romanos, and Panteleimon. Restored in 2012, it is a testament to Byzantine artistic and religious heritage.
The Church of Panagia in Thronos, Crete, a single-nave Byzantine structure from around 1300 AD, stands on a 5th-6th century Early Christian basilica. Its interior features 14th-15th century frescoes and the Kallergis family coat of arms, reflecting Byzantine patronage. The church's location on Kephala hill, ancient Syvritos, highlights its strategic importance, controlling access to Phaistos and Gortyna. Thronos itself, with roots in the Late Minoan period, was a significant Roman and Byzantine center, serving as the seat of the Bishopric of Syvritos. The church remains active and open to visitors, showcasing well-preserved artistic and historical elements.
Rethymno, the capital of the Rethymno regional unit, is a historic city on the north coast of Crete, Greece. Built on the site of the ancient Minoan city of Rithymna, Rethymno boasts a rich history spanning from the Neolithic period to the modern day. The city has been ruled by the Minoans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans, each leaving their mark on its culture and architecture. Rethymno's Venetian-era old town is one of the best-preserved in Greece, featuring landmarks like the Fortezza, Porta Guora, Rimóndi Fountain, and the Loggia. The city also has several Ottoman monuments, including the Ibrahim Khan Mosque, Veli Pasha Mosque, Valide Sultan Mosque, and Neratze Mosque. Rethymno's cultural heritage is further enriched by the Municipal Garden, Mikrasiaton Square, and numerous churches, museums, and statues. The city is also home to the University of Crete and the Hellenic Mediterranean University.
Roussospiti, located in the Rethymno region of Crete, is a historic village dating back to the 12th century. Its name is believed to originate either from a distinctive red house built during the Venetian period or from a Russian woman who constructed a house there. The village's history is marked by Venetian and Ottoman influences, evident in its architecture and landmarks. Roussospiti played a role in the Cretan revolts against the Ottomans, particularly in 1822 and 1866. Notable landmarks include the 14th-century Church of the Entrance of the Theotokos with its well-preserved frescoes, a 17th-century Venetian fountain, and traditional Venetian-era houses. The Cave of Lygeri, located south of the village, is associated with local legends and served as a hiding place during conflicts. Roussospiti comprises the old village with neighborhoods like Pano Rouga, Kato Rouga, and Mesochori, and a newer expansion area with neighborhoods like Koprana, Nekrotafeiou, and Chalikia. The village holds festivals (panigiria) to celebrate religious occasions.
The Acropolis of Onithe, a Hellenistic-era fortress potentially dating back to 1400 BC, occupies a strategic position on the Onithe plateau at 638 meters elevation. The site features a pseudo-isodomic wall enclosing a right-angled area with 12-meter sides and remnants of a defensive tower. A steep, natural cliff forms the southern boundary of the acropolis. The site's location provided control over key passages and access to the settlement, underscoring its strategic significance in ancient Crete. Pottery finds suggest the possibility of earlier settlement phases dating back to the Proto-Minoan and Late Minoan periods. The acropolis, referred to locally as 'Ntapia,' meaning fortification, likely played a role in Cretan revolts in 1821, 1878, and 1897.
Onithe, an archaeological site near Goulediana in Rethymno, Crete, offers a glimpse into the island's history from the Neolithic period to the Venetian and Ottoman eras. Its strategic location on a plateau provided control over key passages and natural defenses. The site features ruins like the Acropolis with its pseudo-isodomic walls and tower, House A with its abundance of pottery and pithoi, an ancient spring and possible sanctuary, and a Paleochristian Basilica with well-preserved mosaics.
The ancient name of the city remains uncertain, with scholarly attempts to identify it as Osmida or Phalanna remaining inconclusive. It may have been an early settlement center for ancient Rhithymna. The site has yielded artifacts like pottery shards, a bronze zodiac, exquisite metalwork, and sculptures, providing evidence of its prosperity and cultural vibrancy throughout the Minoan, Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods.
The Koules of Koxare is an Ottoman-era fortress located near Koxare village at the entrance of Kourtaliotiko Gorge in Rethymno Prefecture, Crete. Built between 1866 and 1869, it was part of a network of fortifications designed to control movement and quell rebellions on the island. The Koules is characterized by a large internal courtyard, thick stone walls, and remnants of arched structures. Partially destroyed in 1896 during the Cretan revolution, it stands as a testament to the island's struggle for freedom from Ottoman rule. Despite its deteriorated state, the Koxare Koules remains an important historical landmark with potential for preservation and tourism development.
Explore the ruins of the Koules of Mylopotamos, a 14th-century Venetian fortress in Crete, and discover the history of the Kallergis family's rebellion.
The Tower of Eleutherna, located at the acropolis's southern entrance, functioned as a key defensive point, likely dating to the Byzantine period and built on older foundations. Its strategic position on a narrow col guarded the city's access. Historical records by Buondelmonti (1415) and Pococke (1739), along with maps, note its existence and fortification significance. The partially restored structure provides archaeological insights into its construction and historical role.
The Vrysinas Peak Sanctuary, located on the slopes of Mount Vrysinas in Crete, is a significant archaeological site that offers valuable insights into Minoan religion and culture. Excavations have revealed a wealth of artifacts, including human and animal figurines, pottery, horns of consecration, and a fragment of a libation table with a Linear A inscription. The sanctuary's unique position as the sole Neopalatial peak sanctuary in the region highlights its importance in the religious landscape of Minoan Crete. The site is easily accessible to visitors and provides a fascinating glimpse into the spiritual world of the Minoans.
Zominthos, a Minoan settlement at 1200 meters on Mount Psiloritis, features a 1600+ square meter central building with over 50 rooms, showcasing Minoan architecture and craftsmanship. Excavations reveal workshops for pottery, stone carving, and potential metallurgy, alongside residential quarters and fresco-adorned spaces. Artifacts, including bronze figurines and ritual vessels, provide insights into Minoan daily life and religious practices. The site's strategic location along mountain paths links it to key destinations like the Idaean Cave, indicating secular and religious importance. Mycenaean presence confirms continued significance post-Minoan era. Ongoing research uses modern technologies to uncover the site's complex details, challenging the notion of a solely coastal Minoan civilization.