Malles is a village situated in the eastern part of the Lasithi regional unit, on the island of Crete, Greece. The village resides on the northern side of the Sarakina Gorge, overlooking the Myrtos valley and offering views of the Libyan Sea. Malles is approximately 26 kilometers northwest of Ierapetra and about 40 kilometers from Agios Nikolaos. It sits at an altitude of 596 meters above sea level.
History
The village’s history traces back to ancient times. The ancient city of Malla, believed to be located between the modern villages of Malles and Christos, existed as an independent city-state. Evidence of its existence comes from inscriptions discovered in 1885 that document a treaty between Malla and Lyttos, another ancient Cretan city. Malla’s historical significance is further highlighted by its inclusion in the list of 30 Cretan cities that allied with King Eumenes II of Pergamon in 183 BC. The city’s primary deity was Zeus Monnitios.
During the Venetian occupation of Crete, Malles flourished as one of the island’s largest villages. Records from the Ducal Archive of Chandakas mention the village as early as 1376. Venetian censuses reveal its size and importance, with the 1583 census listing Malles as the largest village in the Ierapetra province, with 1,483 inhabitants.
The village endured through the Ottoman period and played a role in the Cretan resistance against the Ottomans. In the 19th century, Malles was a significant village with a mixed population of Christians and Muslims. It was known for its participation in the Cretan Revolt of 1866 and suffered destruction at the hands of the Egyptian Hassan Pasha during the 1821 revolution.
In more recent times, Malles has faced depopulation trends common to many rural villages in Greece. However, it remains an active community with its economy based on agriculture, primarily olive oil production.
Points of Interest
Churches
- Church of Agios Nikolaos: A church dating back to the 17th century, featuring an inscription from that period.
- Zoodochos Pigi: A church dedicated to the Life-Giving Spring.
- Church of Agios Georgios: A church named after Saint George.
- Church of Archangel Michael: A church dedicated to the Archangel Michael.
- Panagia Mesochoritissa: A church known for its well-preserved frescoes, with an inscription indicating they were created in 1431.
- Church of the Metamorphosis of the Savior – Agios Charalambos: A double-aisled church built in 1848, featuring a beautiful wood-carved and gilded iconostasis.
Ancient Remains
- The ruins of the acropolis of the ancient city of Malla.
- Remnants of Mycenaean fortification identified by archaeologist Arthur Evans.
Natural Sites
- Sarakina Gorge: A scenic gorge located near the village, offering opportunities for hiking and exploring.
- Katharo Plateau: An elevated plateau with panoramic views and hiking trails.
- Retiko Spring: A natural spring that supplies water to the village and surrounding areas.
- Selakano Forest: A pine forest providing recreational opportunities.
Modern Amenities
- Community Office
- Rural Health Center
- Cultural Center
- Agricultural Cooperative
- Primary School
- Library
- Convenience Stores
- Cafes
- Taverns
- Guesthouses
- Football Field
Settlement: Key Points
- Historical References: As Males (1577), Malles (1583), Males (1671)
- Location: 26 km northwest of Ierapetra, Lasithi, Crete, Greece
- Historical Significance: Ancient city-state, significant village during Venetian and Ottoman periods
- Population Data: Year Population Notes 1583 1483 as Malles 1881 769 754 Christians, 15 Muslims 1900 861 1920 1008 1928 1049 1940 1193 1951 1253 1961 1151 1971 792 1981 665 1991 595 2001 499 2011 302 2021 385
- Current Status: Active village with an economy based on olive oil production
