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.
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.
Ancient Tylissos
Now closed
Tylissos, an ancient Minoan town located on the slopes of Mount Psiloritis in Crete, thrived between 1650 and 1200 BC. The town's strategic location on a major Minoan road contributed to its prosperity. Excavations have revealed three grand palaces (Megaron A, B, and C), showcasing remarkable Minoan architecture. Megaron A, the best-preserved, features a central courtyard, apartments, and storage rooms.
Significant finds include bronze cauldrons, a bronze figurine, Linear A tablets, and miniature frescoes comparable to those found in Knossos. These discoveries suggest Tylissos was a center for bronze working and played an important role in the Minoan civilization. Numerous tombs dating back to 1400-1200 BC have also been unearthed, containing painted sarcophagi, vases, jewelry, and seals, offering further insights into Minoan burial practices and culture.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sklavokambos
The Sklavokampos Farm Estate, a significant Late Minoan period archaeological site in Crete, Greece, offers a unique window into Minoan life. Discovered in 1930, the estate is located southwest of Heraklion, near Tylissos. The estate's strategic location near the Minoan road network and the fertile Messara Plain suggests it played a crucial role in agricultural production and trade. The estate's architecture is simpler than Minoan palaces, featuring 17 rooms across three levels. The site includes a main room with artifacts like a clay ox head, a Late Minoan IB jug, and a stone rhyton. Sealings from Sklavokampos have been found at other Minoan sites such as Zakros, Gournia, and Hagia Triada, indicating connections across Crete. The estate also housed a small shrine, storerooms for agricultural products, and a toilet with an underground drain. Evidence suggests the estate was part of a larger settlement destroyed by fire, possibly during the Late Minoan IB period.
