Mourtzana, Mylopotamos

Mourtzana is a settlement within the community of Garazo, which belongs to the municipality of Mylopotamos in the regional unit of Rethymno, Crete, Greece. According to the 2021 census, it has a population of 35 residents. The village is situated 33 kilometers east of Rethymno, along the old national road, at an altitude of 335 meters. Mourtzana has been officially designated as a traditional settlement.

The name of the village is believed to originate from the Byzantine family of Mourtzanoi (Mourtzis, Mourtzakis, Mourtzanos), with the first settler reportedly named Michael Mourtzis. Historical accounts suggest that during periods of revolution, the Mourtzis family played a significant role.

Historical Data

The origin of the name is anthroponymic, derived from the surname Mourtzanos. This surname is documented as early as the recapture of Crete by Nikephoros Phokas in 961 CE, as recorded in the oldest registers of the Duke of Crete, where contributors to the victory received fiefs bearing their names. Francesco Barozzi mentioned the settlement in 1577 as Muriziana. In the Venetian census of 1583 by Castrofilaca, it is listed as Murzanà or Murisianà with 55 inhabitants and 80 corvée obligations. Francesco Basilicata also referred to it as Murzanà in 1630. The Ottoman census of 1671 records it as Merçana, with 13 haratsia (tax-paying households).

In 1881, Mourtzana was part of the municipality of Garazo and had a population of 131, all Christians, according to the census. The 1900 census recorded 133 inhabitants. By 1920, it was designated as the seat of a homonymous rural municipality. In 1925, Mourtzana was annexed to the community of Garazo and remained so until the Kapodistrian administrative division in 1997, when it became part of the municipality of Kouloukonas.

The old settlement of Mourtzana is built on an elevated location, while the newer part of the village developed at a lower altitude along the old national road. Mourtzana is recognized for its significant cultural value, influenced by various historical periods, including Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman rule. Examples of this include a Venetian building that was converted into a hammam during the Ottoman period, retaining features from both eras. Some houses exhibit a fortress-like exterior with multiple rooms and entrances, possibly reflecting the combined influences of Venetian and Ottoman architecture. Additionally, an old building features a vaulted door bisected by a later wall, indicating historical modifications.

Historically, Mourtzana was known for its olive oil production. The old settlement contained seven olive oil factories, of which three still exist. These factories display Venetian architectural styles. During the German occupation in World War II, the roof of one factory served as a command post with a German guard due to its panoramic view. Another factory was also used as a command post where important decisions were made and cases were judged.

The village’s cathedral, Agia Sophia (Holy Wisdom), dates back to the early 20th century and was renovated in 1958. On the way out of the village towards Mouses, the church of Agia Paraskevi (Saint Paraskevi), built in 1837, can be seen. The cemetery to the east of this church has notable funerary characteristics. Opposite the church is an aqueduct, constructed in the early 20th century to facilitate water supply to the residents of Mourtzana.

Settlement: Key Points

• Historical References: The name originates from the Byzantine Mourtzanos family, with the first settler named Michael Mourtzis. The village is mentioned in Venetian and Ottoman records as early as the 16th and 17th centuries.
• Location: Situated 33 km east of Rethymno, Crete, along the old national road, at an altitude of 335 meters.
• Historical Significance: Designated as a traditional settlement with architectural influences from the Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman periods. Historically known for olive oil production, with surviving Venetian-era olive oil factories.
• Population Data:

• Current Status: A settlement in the community of Garazo, municipality of Mylopotamos, regional unit of Rethymno, Crete.

References

• Wikipedia