Agios Myronas, Heraklion
Agios Myronas, a picturesque village in the Heraklion region of Crete, boasts a rich history dating back to the Minoan era. The area was once home to the ancient city of Raikos, and archaeological remnants from this period, along with artifacts from the Roman era, are now housed in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. The village, nestled on two hilltops at an altitude of 450 meters, offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Named after Saint Myron, a 4th-century Bishop of Crete who was born in ancient Raikos, Agios Myronas has been a site of resistance throughout history, with villagers actively participating in uprisings against Ottoman rule and the Axis occupation during World War II.
Today, the village thrives as a blend of old and new, with traditional architecture alongside modern amenities. Its approximately 720 residents are primarily engaged in agriculture and livestock farming, particularly renowned for their grapes and wine production. Agios Myronas features a primary school, a secondary school, a high school, a police station, a post office, and a regional medical center, ensuring a good quality of life for its inhabitants. The imposing cathedral of Agios Myronas, housing the saint's tomb and relics, is a significant landmark, and the annual festival on August 8th celebrates Saint Myron's feast day.
Alagni, Archanes - Asterousia
Alagni, a village 25 kilometers from Heraklion, Crete, has a history rooted in the Minoan civilization. The village's name is believed to be derived from the nymph Alagonia, and ruins of a temple dedicated to her are said to be found on Tholi hill. Alagni is near the Minoan palace of Galatas, built around 1700-1600 BC. The village itself is home to a Minoan farmhouse and appears in historical records as early as 1583.
Alagni has several notable churches: Agios Vlassis, Sotira, Agios Georgios, Panagia, Panagia of Rouma, and Agioi Apostoloi. The latter, built in the 15th-16th century, bears the emblem of the Venetian Cornaro family.
Other significant landmarks include the deserted settlement of Rouma and Koursamos, where a cluster of winepresses dating back to the 16th-17th centuries exists. The Tholi Fortress, a small fortress from the late Venetian period (16th-17th century), is located on a hilltop west of Alagni.
The village's economy has traditionally centered around agriculture, particularly the cultivation of grapes and olives for wine and oil production.
Ancient Rizinia
Rhizenia, also known as Prinias, was a city in central Crete during the Late Minoan IIIC period (around 1200 BC). Located on the Patela plateau, it held a strategic position overlooking key communication routes. Rhizenia likely played a crucial role in the region's political and economic landscape. The necropolis of Siderospilia has revealed much about burial practices and social structures of the time. The city's political system was unique, possibly incorporating both aristocratic and democratic elements. Archaeological investigations have revealed insights into urban layout, religious practices, and daily life. Imported artifacts from Cyprus and Egypt underscore Rhizenia's integration into a wider network of exchange during the Early Iron Age.
Anemospilia
Anemospilia, a Minoan archaeological site on Mount Juktas in Crete, offers a unique glimpse into Minoan religious practices and beliefs. Discovered in 1979, the site features a rectangular building with four rooms, destroyed by an earthquake in the 17th century BC. The eastern chamber contains remnants of a stepped altar with offerings, fragments of pithoi with traces of food, and reconstructed vessels depicting religious ceremonies. The vestibule housed a crushed skeleton and numerous vessels. The central chamber contains a stone altar, believed to be the base of a life-sized wooden statue, with traces of vessels and a box containing a piece of rock symbolizing the earth. The western chamber contained three skeletons, including a young man found on a platform with a decorated knife, leading to interpretations of human sacrifice.
Castel del Corner
The Castello del Corner, or Fortress of Kornaron, stands on Kastellos hill near Katalagari, Crete. Tradition attributes its construction to Nikephoros Phokas in 961 AD, following the Arab expulsion. During Venetian rule, it served as a fiefdom for the Corner family, linked to the famed poet Vitsentzos Kornaros. The rectangular fortress, with a 5.5-meter high wall, spans approximately 50 acres, and features Minoan-era wine presses and the church of Zoodochos Pigi. Ruins include wall remnants and possible cisterns, reflecting its role in Malvasia wine production. Restoration efforts have stabilized parts of the perimeter wall.
Dafnes, Heraklion
Dafnes, a village in Heraklion, Crete, is known for its wine and olive oil production since the 13th century.
Dafnes is derived from the laurel plant (δάφνη - dafni).
The village is believed to have been founded by residents of another village named Skilochorio. Dafnes and Skilochorio are mentioned in documents from the 13th century.
Dafnes is known for its production of raisins, grapes, wine (using the Liatiko grape variety), and olive oil. The village has four wineries.
The village square hosts the annual Dafnes Wine Festival, usually held in the first ten days of July.
Giouchtas Minoan Peak Sanctuary
The Giouchtas Minoan Peak Sanctuary, located on the mountain of Giouchtas near Epano Archanes in Crete, is an archaeological site dating back to the Early Bronze Age. The site is associated with Minoan religion and offers insights into the ritual practices and beliefs of the Minoan civilization. Archaeological investigations have revealed structures, including a temenos, and artifacts like clay figurines and pottery fragments. The sanctuary's location on a mountain peak is characteristic of Minoan peak sanctuaries, chosen for its association with the divine realm and visibility. The Giouchtas sanctuary is located near Knossos and Archanes, suggesting it played an important role in the religious and social life of the Minoan people.
Giouchtas mountain
Giouchtas Mountain, a prominent 811-meter peak south of Heraklion, Crete, features significant Minoan peak sanctuaries, including Psili Korfi and Anemospilia, dating to the 2nd millennium BCE. Anemospilia's findings suggest possible human sacrifice. Associated with Zeus, it hosts the Afendi Christos church (1443). The mountain supports diverse flora (360+ species) and fauna (150+ bird species, including griffon vultures), within maquis and phrygana landscapes, and reforestation areas. Part of the Natura 2000 network, it faces pressures from urbanization and tourism. Hiking trails lead to viewpoints and historical sites, offering insights into Minoan civilization and natural biodiversity.
Knossos archaeological site
The Palace of Knossos, located on the Kephala hill south of Heraklion, Crete, is an important site of the ancient Minoan civilization. Occupied since around 7000 BCE during the Aceramic Neolithic period. The First Palace, built during the Middle Minoan IB-IIA period, represents a significant shift in Minoan society from a clan-based structure to a hierarchical one. This monumental building, covering nearly 10,000 square meters on the ground floor alone, served as a hub for administrative, storage, and cult activities. The First Palace also introduced innovative features like storage magazines, showcasing the society's wealth and resources. The New Palace emerged after a massive earthquake that occurred at the end of the Middle Minoan IIIA period, the palace underwent major reconstruction in the Middle Minoan IIIB period. Around 1450 BCE, widespread destruction occurred across Crete, affecting palaces and settlements. While Knossos suffered damage, it wasn't destroyed like other palaces. This period saw the introduction of Linear B, an early form of Greek script used by the Mycenaeans, suggesting their presence at Knossos. The final destruction of the palace, possibly in Late Minoan IIIA2 (1325-1300 BCE), left it deserted, but the town continued to exist. Knossos continued to be inhabited during the Classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods. Two basilicas from the First Byzantine period indicate that the city was still active during this time. Knossos appears to have followed the fate of other urban centers in Crete and declined early.
Krousonas, Malevizi
Kroussonas, a village in Crete's Mount Psiloritis foothills, has a long history, with records dating to 1280 and settlements back to Mycenaean/Geometric periods. Known for agriculture, especially vineyards and olive groves, the village is also involved in agritourism. Its history includes Venetian occupation, the Cretan War of Independence, and WWII resistance. The village is located 21.8 km southwest of Heraklion. Kroussonas has a population of around 2,000 and features traditional Cretan life alongside modern amenities, including schools, health facilities, and a women's agricultural cooperative.
Melesses fortress
The Melesses Fortress, located east of Melesses village in Heraklion, Crete, represents a Byzantine-era stronghold. Its hilltop location provided strategic defense and control of a vital trade route. Architectural ruins reveal stone walls, a central tower, and evidence of earlier Hellenistic occupation. Constructed during the 9th-10th centuries to protect Crete from Arab raids, the fortress highlights Byzantine military and social structures. Its strategic significance is underscored by its proximity to the Karteros River and its role in Crete's defense network. Studies indicate its economic importance in regulating trade between the coast and inland plains. The site's history reflects Crete's complex past and its resilience during the Byzantine period.
Melissa Fortress
Melissa Fortress, near Agios Thomas, Crete, offers panoramic views of valleys. Built in the 11th century during the Byzantine Komnenian period, it controlled strategic routes. The site features a central tower-like structure, perimeter walls, and the well-preserved Zoodochos Pigi chapel, possibly a former monastery. The ruins indicate a pentagonal layout, with a small settlement, Melissa, existing nearby. Historical records note its presence in Venetian and Turkish documents, though it was not utilized or maintained by the Venetians, leading to its abandonment. The ruins reveal a glimpse into Byzantine era fortifications and regional control.
Minoan Palace of Epano Archanes
The Minoan Palace of Epano Archanes, also known as the Tourkogeitonia Palace, is a significant archaeological site located in the village of Epano Archanes on the island of Crete, Greece. This palatial complex dates back to the Neopalatial period of the Minoan civilization (around 1700-1450 BC). It is smaller than the palaces of Knossos, Phaistos, and Malia, but boasts a unique architectural layout with multiple wings and levels, and impressive features including an elaborate drainage system. The palace likely played a crucial role in the economic and religious life of the surrounding community. Excavations at the site have unearthed a wealth of artifacts, including pottery, tools, figurines, and seal stones, shedding light on the daily life, artistic traditions, and religious practices of the Minoans. A recent discovery in 2024 unearthed a unique Gate Shrine located outside the main entrance, the first of its kind at a Minoan palace, shedding new light on the religious practices and beliefs of this ancient civilization.
Panagia Kardiotissa in Agios Thomas
Panagia Kera Kardiotissa, a 14th-century Byzantine monastery near Agios Thomas in Crete, is dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. Located in a lush landscape at an altitude of 630 meters, the monastery is situated in a place called Mouzouras, next to the Axedianos River. The monastery once housed a miraculous icon of Panagia Kardiotissa, depicting the Virgin Mary holding Christ. The icon's origins are debated, with some attributing it to an Armenian monk named Lazarus and others to the Heraklion painter Andreas Ritzos. The icon's miraculous powers were documented as early as 1415. The monastery became a significant pilgrimage site in 1912 following a vision of the icon of Saint George. It served as a nunnery from 1935 to 1962 and sheltered residents during the German occupation. Today, the renovated site features a centuries-old oak tree, peacocks, and a workshop for traditional weaving.
Panorama, Minoas - Pediada
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Panorama, formerly Gournia, sits at the foot of Gurniani Korfi hill in Crete, 29.5 kilometers from Heraklion, and offers magnificent views. Records suggest it may have been a Venetian fief, evidenced by a coat of arms in the church of Agios Georgios. During the Ottoman period, it was mainly a Muslim village. After the Asia Minor Disaster, Greek refugees settled there, embracing local customs and focusing on agriculture, especially viticulture. The village has churches like Agios Georgios, Agios Fanourios, and Agia Marina. The name "Gournia" likely came from the small basins at the village spring. Historical accounts mention a Byzantine church, possibly Agios Georgios Styronas. The village relied on agriculture, producing grapes, raisins, olive oil, and cereals. Viticulture remains important to the local economy. "Panorama" was adopted in 1951 due to the village's stunning views. Local legends speak of caves with hidden treasures.
Profitis Ilias, Heraklion
Profitis Ilias, formerly Kanli Kastelli, is a historic village in Heraklion, Crete, at the foot of Rokka hill. Ancient Lykastos' acropolis stood here. The Byzantines built Temenos fortress, later fortified by Venetians (Castello Temene). Ottomans renamed it Kanli Kastelli ("Bloody Fortress"). Known for agricultural production, particularly grapes, raisins, olive oil, and wine, the village has a population of 1,320. It features a Citizens' Service Centre, police station, schools, a medical clinic, and several churches.
Rouma abandoned village near Alagni
Rouma, a deserted village east of Alagni in Crete, takes its name from the Cretan word for "river stream." The village, formerly abundant in oak and pine trees, was abandoned after a plague outbreak. Survivors relocated to Alagni. Despite its abandonment, Rouma is remembered for the church of Panagia tou Roumatou (Virgin Mary of Rouma), a landmark that remains historically and religiously significant. A 1630 census recognized Rouma as a separate village. The restored church of Panagia tou Roumatou is a reminder of Rouma's past, with excavated sacred vessels further highlighting its history.
Steironas, Minoas - Pediada
Steironas, located on a hill, 10 km west of Arkalochori, Crete, has a history from the Venetian period, Ottoman rule, and Greek-Turkish population exchange. It's known for the Myragapi Traditional Folklore Rakokazano, showcasing traditional production of wine and tsikoudia, and the late Byzantine church of Panagia with frescoes and an icon of the Virgin Mary.
The Necropolis of Phourni
The Phourni necropolis, near Archanes, Crete, is a significant Minoan burial site used from the Early Minoan II (EM II) to the Late Minoan IIIC (LM IIIC) periods. It features a variety of tomb types, including tholos tombs, rectangular tombs, and composite tombs, reflecting the evolution of Minoan funerary architecture and burial practices over time. Tholos tombs are beehive-shaped structures used for collective burials, while rectangular tombs resemble houses, suggesting a symbolic connection between the house of the living and the house of the dead. Composite tombs combine elements of both tholos and rectangular tomb architecture.
The necropolis has yielded a wealth of grave goods, including pottery, stone vases, metal objects, jewelry, and figurines, providing insights into the social structures and religious beliefs of the Minoans. The variety of tomb types and grave goods reflects the prosperity and social complexity of the Archanes valley. The architectural features and artistic motifs found at Phourni resonate with those found at Knossos, indicating cultural homogeneity and interaction between these two important centers. The religious beliefs of the Minoans are also reflected in the finds at Phourni, with religious symbols and ritual objects suggesting a belief in an afterlife and elaborate burial rituals.
The Phourni necropolis is the richest burial site in Crete and provides a unique glimpse into the burial practices, social structures, and religious beliefs of the Minoan civilization.
Tholoi Fortress near Alagni
The Tholoi Fortress, near Alagni, Crete, dates to the 16th-17th century, reflecting Venetian and Ottoman periods. Situated on a hilltop, it served as a strategic point for surveillance and defense. Its design shows Venetian villa influences, with local stone construction. The fortress, now in ruins, experienced damage, including from the 2021 Arkalochori earthquake, but the outer wall remains. Nearby, the 15th-16th century Church of Agioi Apostoloi, bearing the Corner family crest, suggests a connection to the fortress, possibly as a spiritual center. The fortress, with dimensions of 15 by 9 meters, played a role in Venetian-Ottoman conflicts and potentially as a Turkish "koules" during the 1866-1869 Cretan Revolution.
