Lagouta, Minoa – Pediada

Lagouta is a village in the Municipality of Minoa Pediada, in the Heraklion regional unit of Crete, Greece. It is part of the Skinias community.

Geography

Lagouta is situated at an altitude of 250 meters on the slopes of Papoura hill, between the Anapodiaris and Iniotis rivers. The village is located 48 kilometers from Heraklion and 18 kilometers from Arkalochori.

History

The earliest written mention of Lagouta is in a contract from 1271, where it is referred to as Lauta. It is also mentioned in a contract written in Greek in 1373 as Lavouta and in a 1374 document from the Ducal archive as Lauta. Francesco Barozzi in 1577 refers to it as Laguta in the province of Belvedere or Rizou. In the Venetian census of 1583 by Castrofylakas, it is referred to as Lagura with 107 inhabitants. Francesco Vasilikata in 1630 refers to it as Laguta, while in the Ottoman census of 1671 it is referred to by the same name and had 12 haratsia.

In the 1834 census, which was carried out by the Egyptians, it had a Muslim population, with 14 families. In the census of 1881, Lagouta had a purely Muslim population, with 150 inhabitants, and belonged to the municipality of Skinias. In the 1900 census, it belonged to the same municipality and had 18 inhabitants. In 1920 it belonged to the rural municipality of Skinias.1 In 1925 it was annexed to the community of Skinias.

Economy

The village’s economy is agricultural, with main products being olive oil, grapes, and vegetables. In the past, citrus fruits were cultivated. The name most likely comes from the musical instrument laouto.

Landmarks

At the entrance of the village is the Lagouta grove (since 1968). It is the largest grove in the municipality of Minoa Pediada, with an area of about 80 acres. In the area of the grove, which includes pine trees, there are tables and a playground. At the top of the grove is the building of the former elementary school of Lagouta, which now houses the cultural association. Also, near the northeastern edge of the settlement, the small folklore museum of Lagouta operates. In the village is the church of the Holy Cross.

Settlement: Key Points

  • Historical References:
    • 1271 as Lauta
    • 1373 as Lavouta
    • 1577 as Laguta
    • 1583 as Lagura
  • Location: 35°4′3.00″N 25°17′50.21″E
  • Historical Significance: The old well in the southeastern part of Lagouta dates back to the Arab conquest.
  • Population Data:
Year
Population
Notes
1583
107
as Lagura
1881
150
150 Muslims
1900
18
2 Christians, 16 Muslims
1920
178
1928
153
1940
142
1951
169
1961
195
1971
188
1981
123
1991
156
2001
83
2011
50
2021
74
  • Current Status: Village in the Municipality of Minoa Pediada

References

Access

Lagouta is 9.5 kilometers away from Arkalochori and 10.5 kilometers away from Ano Viannos

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