Kastelli: The Emerging Metropolis of Crete
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In a few years, the centre of Heraklion will thrive in Kastelli, where the construction of a new state-of-the-art airport is underway.
Kastelli is situated on the eastern side of the plain, atop a low hill, and serves as the focal point for the nearby communities.
Kastelli is a small town with a rich history, and it has a close association with the military airport situated to its southwest.
Visitors to Kastelli can explore several Christian monuments, including two Venetian-era churches: the spacious, single-aisled, and frescoed church of the Saviour (or Afentis Christos) and the small two-martyr church of Saints Fotini and Spyridon. Additionally, there are two more Byzantine churches with frescoes, namely the churches of Agios Georgios Revithiotis and Agios Ioannis Romanitos.
A significant draw for visitors is the Festival of the Expatriate held in August.
Photos Wikimedia Commons
nearby destinations
add to travel planReviving the Abandoned: Vitsilia Springs Back to Life
Once bustling with life, the settlement was subsequently abandoned, but in recent years, a few individuals driven by nostalgia for the past have chosen to revive it by establishing a new life in Vitsilia.
Positioned to offer panoramic views, it likely served as an observatory or watchtower prior to the establishment of the settlement.
Vitsilia used to be a castle village, complete with defensive walls and two towers. You can explore the remnants of these structures walking around the settlement.
At present, the remnants of the medieval castle, erected during the early Venetian period, continue to endure on this site.
The single-aisled church of the Holy Cross from the Venetian era has also been restored. In its honour, an annual celebration is held in the village on 13th September, the eve of its feast day.
Photo: alrisha Via Vista.Create.
Information Municipality of Minoa Pediados
add to travel planSmari: A Beautiful Village Worth Discovering
Smari, one of the most beautiful traditional settlements of Crete, was deservedly awarded the second runner-up tourist destination of excellence by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 2011.
It is situated atop a hill in a natural landscape of unparalleled beauty.
On the summit of Prophet Elias Hill, the archaeological site of Smari stands as one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Municipality of Minoa.
Today, this charming village has been designated as a listed area due to its well-preserved traditional architecture, town layout, and Christian monuments.
The charming village of Smari boasts narrow cobbled streets, quaint stone houses, delightful tavernas, and cosy cafés, making it a compelling destination for a visit.
Photo: Wikipedia.
add to travel planLyttos or Xidas: A Rival of Knossos in the Past
The fairly large settlement of Lyttos is situated on the eastern side of Pediada.
In recent years, excavations have been carried out in the area, leading to the discovery of one of the oldest cities in Crete on the northeast side of the village. The residents eagerly support the scientists and often host them for meals.
Nearby, you can find the Generalido Valley, a site of natural beauty that is worth exploring, particularly the ‘Genarali’ water source, where you can see the ruins of two ancient watermills. In the vicinity, you'll also find the small church of Agios Nikolaos, adorned with rich frescoes dating back to the 14th century.
A visit to the village's parish church, which is dedicated to Panagia and Agioi Anargyri, is well worth it.
The area is also dotted with chapels like Agios Georgios among the ruins of Lyttos, Estavromenos, and Agios Nikolaos.
Photo: Wikipedia
