829 listings found

Galipe, Chersonissos

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Chersonissou, Heraklion
Galipe, a historic village in Heraklion, Crete, sits at 280 meters above sea level. First documented in 1299, Galipe's history reflects Venetian and Ottoman influences. The 16th-century Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, featuring a Venetian tomb monument, and the 15th-century Old Church of Agios Nikolaos are key landmarks. A central stone fountain adds to the village's charm. Galipe's economy centers on agriculture, particularly grapes and olives. The village's population has fluctuated over time, reflecting its dynamic history.

Siderospilia near Roufas

Category: Archaeological site, Areas of Interest
Region: Festos, Heraklion
Siderospilia, meaning "Iron Caves," is a complex of three interconnected chambers carved into limestone bedrock near Roufas, Crete. Its purpose is debated, with theories ranging from blacksmith workshop to Roman-era burial site. Chamber 1 features a broken supporting column, roof opening, and stone bench. Chamber 2 is larger, with niches for burials. Chamber 3 resembles an early Christian church, with a dividing wall and door. Local legends link the cave to blacksmiths, ghosts, and eerie sounds. Some believe it was a dwelling before becoming a necropolis. The cave's location near a stream and possible ancient structures adds to its significance. Siderospilia is accessible but lacks official signage.

The Koules of Koxare

Category: Areas of Interest, Fortifications
Region: Agios Vasilios, Rethymno
The Koules of Koxare is an Ottoman-era fortress located near Koxare village at the entrance of Kourtaliotiko Gorge in Rethymno Prefecture, Crete. Built between 1866 and 1869, it was part of a network of fortifications designed to control movement and quell rebellions on the island. The Koules is characterized by a large internal courtyard, thick stone walls, and remnants of arched structures. Partially destroyed in 1896 during the Cretan revolution, it stands as a testament to the island's struggle for freedom from Ottoman rule. Despite its deteriorated state, the Koxare Koules remains an important historical landmark with potential for preservation and tourism development.

Tholoi Fortress near Alagni

Category: Areas of Interest, Fortifications
Region: Archanes - Asterousia, Heraklion
The Tholoi Fortress, near Alagni, Crete, dates to the 16th-17th century, reflecting Venetian and Ottoman periods. Situated on a hilltop, it served as a strategic point for surveillance and defense. Its design shows Venetian villa influences, with local stone construction. The fortress, now in ruins, experienced damage, including from the 2021 Arkalochori earthquake, but the outer wall remains. Nearby, the 15th-16th century Church of Agioi Apostoloi, bearing the Corner family crest, suggests a connection to the fortress, possibly as a spiritual center. The fortress, with dimensions of 15 by 9 meters, played a role in Venetian-Ottoman conflicts and potentially as a Turkish "koules" during the 1866-1869 Cretan Revolution.

Sata, Amari

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

The Palm Forest of Agios Nikitas

Category: Areas of Interest, Environmental POIs
Region: Archanes - Asterousia, Heraklion
The palm forest of Agios Nikitas in Crete is the only place on the island where the Cretan palm grows at a distance from the sea.

Mardati, Agios Nikolaos

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Agios Nikolaos, Lasithi
Mardati is a settlement located in the Lasithi regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Agios Nikolaos

Voulismeni, Agios Nikolaos

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Agios Nikolaos, Lasithi
Voulismeni is a settlement located in the Lasithi regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Agios Nikolaos

Vrachasi, Agios Nikolaos

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Agios Nikolaos, Lasithi
Vrachasi is a settlement located in the Lasithi regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Agios Nikolaos

Dreros, ancient city

Category: Archaeological site, Areas of Interest
Region: Agios Nikolaos, Lasithi
Dreros, also known as Driros, is an archaeological site near Neapoli in Crete, significant for its post-Minoan remains from the early Archaic Period. Flourishing from the 8th to 6th centuries BC, Dreros was an important center of trade and culture, known for its harbor, temples, bronze working, and pottery. The city, built on two hills, features a sanctuary dedicated to Apollo Delphinios, where 8th century BC bronze statuettes of Apollo, Artemis, and Leto were discovered. A large, open cistern, possibly used for ritual purposes, was found in the agora, the city's public gathering space. Inscriptions reveal a board of officials called the 'Twenty of the Polis' and the division of the people into 'phylai' or tribes. The site includes one of the earliest known examples of a Greek temple, dedicated to Apollo Delphinios. Dreros declined in importance after the 6th century BC and was eventually abandoned.

Saint Andrew Bastion and Gate

Category: Fortifications, Heraklion
Region: Heraklion, Heraklion municipality
Agios Andreas Bastion, a crucial defensive point in the Venetian walls of Heraklion, witnessed the fall of Candia to the Ottomans. It's open to the public.

Kato Metochi, Lasithi plateau

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Lasithi, Lasithi Plateau
Kato Metochion is a settlement located in the Lasithi regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Lasithi plateau

Pinakiano, Lasithi plateau

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Lasithi, Lasithi Plateau
Pinakiano is a settlement located in the Lasithi regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Lasithi plateau

Lagou, Lasithi plateau

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Lasithi, Lasithi Plateau
Lagou is a settlement located in the Lasithi regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Lasithi plateau

Lyttos (Xidas), Minoa – Pediada

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Heraklion, Minoas - Pediada
Lyttos (until 1987 known as Xidas) is a village in the Municipality of Minoa Pediada, Heraklion regional unit, Crete, Greece. It is located at an altitude of 510 meters on […]

Patsideros, Minoa – Pediada

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Heraklion, Minoas - Pediada
Choumeri is a settlement located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Minoa - Pediada

Anopoli, Chersonissos

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

Aitania, Chersonissos

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Chersonissou, Heraklion
Aitania, a village in Heraklion, Crete, is 20 km from Heraklion. Its name is believed to be a corruption of the ancient city of Diatonion. Aitania is recorded in a Venetian document from 1212 as "Icania." The Venetian census of 1583 lists it as "Itagnia Cato" with 112 inhabitants and "Itagnia Apano" with 85 inhabitants. On October 12, 1856, a major earthquake with a magnitude of 8.2 struck Crete, causing significant damage and resulting in the death of 40 people in Aitania. In 1954, archaeologist N. Platon excavated a small, cave-like carved tomb west of Aitania at a site called "Fonias." The tomb contained approximately thirty Geometric period vessels. The village square is a central gathering point for residents and visitors, with traditional cafes. The Cultural Association of Aitania organizes a Cretan feast in the square every year on August 15th.