415 listings found

Pompia, Phaistos

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Festos, Heraklion
Pompia is a settlement located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Phaistos

Listaros, Phaistos

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Festos, Heraklion
Listaros, a small village nestled in the Asterousia Mountains of southern Crete, boasts a rich history dating back to the 16th century. First mentioned in historical records from 1577, the village was designated as "Vakoufiko" during the Ottoman period, with its income supporting religious institutions and charitable works. Archaeological surveys in the 1980s revealed the village's strategic location near a spring, surrounded by fertile fields and diverse vegetation. Ethnographic research highlighted the importance of agriculture, grazing, and burning in shaping the landscape, as well as the significance of community ties and human-land interactions. Despite challenges posed by red soils requiring consistent irrigation, Listaros and its inhabitants have thrived for centuries, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of human communities in mountainous environments.

Petrokefali, Phaistos

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Festos, Heraklion
Petrokefali, a village in the Municipality of Phaistos, Crete, has a long history, dating back to Venetian censuses where it was recorded as Petrochieffali. The village is located at the 59.3rd kilometer of the road to Matala. In 2021, its population was 813. The inhabitants are mainly engaged in agriculture, particularly olive growing and the cultivation of citrus fruits and early vegetables. Historically, the area was also known for rice cultivation. Petrokefali has a Cultural Association of Ladies, an Adult Education Center, a kindergarten, and a primary school. The village is also known for its connection to the Cretan Revolution against the Ottomans, particularly through figures like Michael Kourmoulis and Xopateras. The abandoned village of Flambanochori, located south of Petrokefali, is believed to have been deserted due to the devastating plague of 1592.

Panasos, Gortyna

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Gortyna, Heraklion
Panasos is a settlement located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Gortyna

Ano Moulia, Gortyna

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Gortyna, Heraklion
Ano Moulia is a settlement located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Gortyna

Skalani, Heraklion

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Heraklion, Heraklion municipality
Skalani is a settlement located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Heraklion

Episkopi, Chersonissos

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Chersonissou, Heraklion
Episkopi, a village near Heraklion, Crete, has a long history dating back to the Minoan era. The village's name, meaning "bishopric", reflects its role as the seat of the Bishop of Hersonissos after the Byzantine era. It has numerous Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches, including the 11th-century Panagia Kera-Limniotissa and the 14th-century Agios Ioannis with Venetian-era frescoes. Episkopi also has a war museum and a municipal park.

Vagionia, Gortyna

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Gortyna, Heraklion
Vagionia is a settlement located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Gortyna

Galia, Phaistos

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Festos, Heraklion
Galia, a historic village in Crete's Messara plain, dates to the Venetian era (1577). Its name derives from the Greek word for milk, possibly linked to its first church. The village experienced population shifts during Ottoman rule, notably the 1834 Egyptian census when no Christians were recorded. Galia later repopulated, growing after 1920 with residents from Vorizia. Its peak population reached 1029 in 1961, declining to 916 by 2011. Today, Galia thrives on agriculture (olives, vegetables, livestock, beekeeping) and hospitality. Located 5km northwest of Moires and 57.3km from Heraklion, it offers amenities like schools, churches (Agios Georgios), and attracts tourists seeking authentic Cretan experiences near archaeological sites and the Ida mountains.

Kalochorafitis, Phaistos

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Festos, Heraklion
Kalochorafitis, a village in Crete's Phaistos Municipality, is known for its historic significance. First mentioned in 1399, the village features the well-preserved 15th-century chapel of Agios Georgios o Methystis, adorned with frescoes. Located 64 kilometers from Heraklion, it was mentioned by Barozzi in 1577 and Castrofilaca in 1583 as Caloghorafici/Caloghorafiti. The name derives from "good field," referencing the area's first settler. The village's population has fluctuated over time, from 108 in 1583 to around 115 today.

Nyvritos, Gortyna

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Gortyna, Heraklion
Nyvritos is a settlement located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Gortyna

Vorizia, Phaistos

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Festos, Heraklion
Located in the southern foothills of Psiloritis in Phaistos, Heraklion, this village dates to the Venetian period (c. 1500). It was a center for Cretan rebels like Nik. Malikoutis and Konstantinos Lekkas. During WWII, it was active in the resistance, leading to the Battle of Trahili in 1943. As a reprisal, German forces destroyed the village in August 1943. Residents refused state relocation to Vrontisaki and rebuilt in the original location. The economy centers on olive cultivation, livestock, and crafts. Landmarks include the Holy Monastery of Varsamonero and the Byzantine Timios Stavros Church.

Skourvoula, Phaistos

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Festos, Heraklion
Skourvoula, a village and seat in Phaistos municipality, Heraklion, sits on Mt. Sanida's southern slopes at 350m, offering Messara Plain views, 60km from Heraklion. Its name means "sorrel." Documented since the Venetian era (Scurvula, Scurgulla), it had 104 residents in 1583. A tragic WWII event saw 40 residents executed in 1944 (memorial present). Population peaked at 428 in 2001, then slightly declined to 423 in 2011. The community engages in agriculture (olives, grapes) and livestock farming (dairy). Key features include the Hypapanti church in the central square and chapels (Agia Anna, Agia Paraskevi, Agios Nikolaos, Agios Nektarios). Celebrations occur on February 2nd. Educational facilities include a kindergarten and primary school. Its history spans Venetian and Ottoman periods.

Kissoi, Phaistos

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Festos, Heraklion
Kissoi is a settlement located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Phaistos

Makres, Phaistos

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Festos, Heraklion
Makres, a small village in Crete, nestled at the foot of Mount Psiloritis, has a rich history dating back to at least 1671, as evidenced by Turkish census records. Its history is intertwined with the Community of Moroni, which it belongs to along with Moroni, Panagia, and Fari. Makres, with an altitude of 490 meters, is located 3 kilometers north of Moroni and falls under the administrative purview of the Municipality of Phaistos. The village's economy is primarily based on the cultivation of olive trees for olive oil production and the drying of raisins. The population of Makres has fluctuated over the years, reflecting the trends of rural Crete. Historical records, including mentions in the Code of Sacrifices (1821), Pashley's accounts (1834), and Stavraki's records (1881), provide insights into the village's past. The village is home to two churches, the Church of the Annunciation and the Church of Saint John. Makres played a role in the Cretan revolution of 1821. The village's population was 126 in 2011 and 134 in 2021.

Siva, Heraklion

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Heraklion, Heraklion municipality
Siva is a settlement located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Heraklion

Pyrgou, Heraklion

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Heraklion, Malevizi
Pyrgou is a settlement located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Heraklion.

Avgeniki, Heraklion

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Heraklion, Heraklion municipality
Avgeniki is a settlement located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Heraklion

Kerasia, Heraklion

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Heraklion, Heraklion municipality
Kerasia is a settlement located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Heraklion

Rodia, Malevizi

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Heraklion, Malevizi
Rodia is a settlement located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Malevizi