Adele, Rethymno

Adele is a village in the Rethymno regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It is located approximately 8km east of Rethymno town, at an altitude of 70m. The village is situated in a fertile plain amidst olive groves and vineyards, and it has a rich history dating back to the Minoan era.

History

Archaeological evidence, including a Late Minoan chamber tomb discovered at the Damourou site, indicates that the area around Adele has been inhabited since at least the 14th century BC. Pottery fragments from the Minoan and Roman periods have also been found at the Pyrgos site.

The origin of the village’s name is uncertain, with possible roots in the Greek words “adilos” (unclear) or “adolos” (pure), or perhaps an Arabic word. Adele is first documented in Venetian sources from 1577, appearing as “Adhele” in Francesco Barozzi’s survey.

During the Ottoman period, Adele had a mixed population of Christians and Turks. In the 1881 census, it had 245 Christian and 15 Turkish inhabitants. By 1925, Adele became the seat of its own community within the Rethymno province.

In World War II, Adele suffered a tragic event during the German occupation. In retaliation for resistance activities, 30 villagers were arrested and forced to dig their own graves. Before their execution, one of the men, Stylianos Charkianakis, managed to kill three guards, but he was ultimately killed along with the others. A monument commemorating this event stands at the Sarakina site.

Economy

Historically, Adele’s economy has been based on agriculture, particularly olive and grape cultivation. The village is surrounded by extensive olive groves that produce high-quality olive oil. In 1967, local producers established an agricultural cooperative, which today has around 150 members and owns its own olive mill and packaging plant.

Landmarks

Venetian Architecture: The village center retains its Venetian character, with narrow streets and traditional houses.
Church of Agios Panteleimon: This is the main church of the village.
Other Churches: Adele also has the churches of Agios Nikolaos and Agioi Anargyroi, and the cemetery church of Zoodochos Pigi.
Monument at Sarakina: This monument commemorates the 30 villagers executed by the Germans in World War II.

Village Key Points

Location: 8km east of Rethymno town, Crete, at an altitude of 70m.
Historical Significance: Inhabited since the Minoan era, with a history of Venetian and Ottoman influence, and a tragic event during World War II.
Population: 489 (2011 census).
Current Status: A thriving village with a strong agricultural tradition and a growing tourism sector.