Agia Anna
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.
Agia Foteini, Amari
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.
Agia Marina Kalogerou
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 in Kalogerou
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.
Agioi Theodoroi church in Amari
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 in Veni hill
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 Onoufrios
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.
Ancient Syvritos
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, Amari
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.
Chordaki, Amari
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.
Elenes, Amari
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, Amari
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.
Gourgouthoi abandoned village
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.
Kaloeidena monastery
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.
Margarites
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
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.
Nefs Amari, Amari
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.
Panagia Kera
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 in Meronas
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.
Panagia of Thronos
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.
Tower of Eleutherna
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.
