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Ancient Arkadia
Ancient Arkadia (Arcades) was a significant polis on Crete, located near modern Afrati. It contested Mount Ida's claim as Zeus's birthplace. Active from at least the 4th century BCE (noted by Theophrastus for environmental issues), it participated in the Lyttian War (c. 220 BCE) and minted silver/bronze coins inscribed "ARKADON" (c. 330-280/70 BCE). Numerous inscriptions reveal treaties with Gortyn, Miletos, Teo, and Eumenes II (183 BCE), plus Roman-era bathhouse regulations. Excavations uncovered houses, a cemetery with Minoan-influenced vaulted tombs, Geometric/Orientalizing period artifacts, local pottery, and a unique 7th-century BC Phoenician capital. Epigraphic evidence suggests an Asclepius temple.
The Settlement of Vitsilia
Vitsilia, an abandoned medieval village in Crete, provides valuable insights into fortified settlements of the era. Located in Monofatsi, Heraklion, the village was inhabited by villeins and free peasants. A 1387 document reveals details about its structure, including a northern wall, two entrances, and two towers. The village, with a naturally fortified position, likely served as a watchtower in earlier times. Archaeological evidence suggests the presence of houses, a church, and a cemetery. Despite its small size, with a population never exceeding 60, Vitsilia holds historical significance. Today, five houses and the Venetian-era Church of the Holy Cross have been restored.
Agia Paraskevi in Aitania
Agia Paraskevi, a 14th-century Byzantine church near Aitania village in Crete, is adorned with well-preserved frescoes depicting saints like Vlasios, Titus, and John the Theologian, alongside biblical scenes. The church, accessed via a steep dirt road, features a single room and a sanctuary with unique motifs like the Melismos and Christ as the Great High Priest. Frescoes on the north and south walls portray various saints, including military saints, while the arch showcases scenes from the Dodekaorton. Local tradition recounts miraculous healing associated with the church, with a ritual involving holy water from a now-dried spring. Restored in 2003, the church's exterior is simple, with a buttress and a stone table used for bread blessing during festivals.
Agios Ioannis Theologos in Galatas
Byzantine-era, two-aisled church near the Minoan Palace of Galatas in Crete. Features an arkosolio and possible monastic remains. Frescoes in poor condition.
Panorama, Minoas – Pediada
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Panorama, formerly Gournia, sits at the foot of Gurniani Korfi hill in Crete, 29.5 kilometers from Heraklion, and offers magnificent views. Records suggest it may have been a Venetian fief, evidenced by a coat of arms in the church of Agios Georgios. During the Ottoman period, it was mainly a Muslim village. After the Asia Minor Disaster, Greek refugees settled there, embracing local customs and focusing on agriculture, especially viticulture. The village has churches like Agios Georgios, Agios Fanourios, and Agia Marina. The name "Gournia" likely came from the small basins at the village spring. Historical accounts mention a Byzantine church, possibly Agios Georgios Styronas. The village relied on agriculture, producing grapes, raisins, olive oil, and cereals. Viticulture remains important to the local economy. "Panorama" was adopted in 1951 due to the village's stunning views. Local legends speak of caves with hidden treasures.
Steironas, Minoas – Pediada
Steironas, located on a hill, 10 km west of Arkalochori, Crete, has a history from the Venetian period, Ottoman rule, and Greek-Turkish population exchange. It's known for the Myragapi Traditional Folklore Rakokazano, showcasing traditional production of wine and tsikoudia, and the late Byzantine church of Panagia with frescoes and an icon of the Virgin Mary.
Mikra Episkopi
Mikra Episkopi is an abandoned village in Crete, Greece. Once known as the seat of the Diocese of Arcadia, it is now deserted with dilapidated houses and overgrown paths. The village is located 7 km southwest of Arkalochori and 1 km north of Partira. Despite its current state, Mikra Episkopi holds historical significance, particularly due to the ruined church of Sotiras Christos (Savior Christ), a Venetian-era structure built upon the remains of an earlier basilica. The church features a cruciform architectural style with a dome and a narthex, with some walls, columns, and capitals still visible. Additionally, the village has the church of Panagia (Virgin Mary) with Venetian-era frescoes and the ruins of the church of Agios Dimitrios (Saint Demetrius).
The population of Mikra Episkopi has dwindled over the centuries, from a mix of Christians and Muslims in the 1800s to becoming completely abandoned in the 1990s. Recent census data shows a slight increase in population, but the village remains largely deserted.
Lyttos (Xidas), Minoa – 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
Choumeri is a settlement located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Minoa - Pediada
Ancient Priansos
Priansos was a significant autonomous ancient city located on a flat mountaintop near modern-day Kasteliana in the Monofatsi province of Crete, offering commanding views. Existing from the Archaic period, it reached prominence during the Hellenistic era, evidenced by coins featuring Hygeia and Poseidon, indicating a focus on health and maritime trade. Inscriptions show political ties with Gortyn and Ierapytna, and its oath invoked deities like Hestia and Apollo. Priansos allied with Eumenes II of Pergamon in 170 BCE. In the early 13th century CE, Venetians built the Belvedere castle on the same site, likely reusing materials from the ancient ruins. Today, archaeological remains, including structures and tombs, are visible at the partially excavated site.
Kastello Kastelianon or Rizokastro, or Belvedere
Kastello Kastelianon, a historic fortress in Crete, witnessed Byzantine, Genoese, and Venetian rule. Explore its ruins and the Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos.
The Minoan Path: Connecting Kastamonitsa and Lyktos to the Lasithi Plateau
This ancient route, of debated Minoan origin, connected the settlements of Kastamonitsa and Lyktos to the fertile Lasithi Plateau. It is famously linked to the legend of King Minos's nine-year pilgrimage from Knossos to commune with Zeus in the Diktaian Cave. The path facilitated trade and pilgrimage, with landmarks like the Vidiani and Kallergi Monasteries along the way. Its strategic importance continued into the Venetian era. Today, this well-preserved section is part of the E4 European path.
Galatas, Minoa – Pediada
Galatas is a settlement located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Minoa - Pediada
Voni, Minoa – Pediada
Voni, a village in the Municipality of Minoa Pediada, Heraklion, Crete, sits at 330 meters above sea level. Known for its agricultural production, particularly grapes, cereals, and olive oil, Voni is also home to the Agia Marina Monastery, a significant pilgrimage site. The village's history dates back to the Late Minoan period, with evidence of settlement found in a bathtub-shaped sarcophagus. During the Ottoman period, Voni was known as "Dedeler Küyü" and was inhabited predominantly by Turkish families. After Crete's liberation from Ottoman rule in 1898, the village was repopulated by people from the Lasithi Plateau. Voni also includes the settlement of Galatas, which dates back to the late 16th century.
Zinta, Minoa – Pediada
Zinta is a settlement located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Minoa - Pediada
Choumeri, Minoa – 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
Myrtia, Archanes – Asterousia
Myrtia is a settlement located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Archanes - Asterousia
Amourgelles, Minoa – Pediada
Amourgelles is a settlement located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Minoa - Pediada
Panagia, Minoa – Pediada
Panagia, a village in the Municipality of Minoa Pediada, Heraklion, Crete, is located 36 km southeast of Heraklion city at an altitude of 360 meters. The village has a rich history dating back to the Venetian period in the 13th century, with evidence of a Venetian castle and the Byzantine Monastery of Panagia Psomopoula. The village is mentioned in various historical records from 1577 onwards, including Venetian and Turkish censuses. Today, Panagia is an active village with a primarily agricultural economy focused on olive oil production. The village also features several landmarks, including the Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos, the Church of Agios Dimitrios, the Church of Agios Konstantinos, a Venetian fountain, the Church of Agia Triada, and a traditional olive mill.