Stoli: Cretan Cuisine and Lyre-Filled Feasts
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Join the fun and festivities with the villagers in this traditional village of the Municipality of Gortys, Stoli. Renowned for its vibrant celebrations, locals eagerly gather to dance and indulge in Cretan delicacies accompanied by the melodious tunes of the lyre.
Predominantly comprised of farmers and livestock breeders, most villagers hail from Mylopotamos.
Visitors can light candles in the churches of the Holy Apostles and the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, as well as the chapels of Agioi Saranda, Agia Efimia, Agia Marina, and Agios Georgios, located near the ancient ruined settlement of Rizika to the northwest of the village. Mentioned as early as 1583, this settlement once housed 25 inhabitants.
According to tradition, the settlement derived its name from the church of the Holy Apostles (Apostoli > Stoli), which served as the site of the cemetery until recent years.
Info: Wikipedia
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add to travel planLoukia: Nestled at the Base of Asterousia
Loukia, a quaint village steeped in tradition, lies within the Municipality of Gortys.
Situated at an altitude of 360 metres, Loukia rests on the northern foothills of Asterousia.
The name probably originates from the word ‘loukia’, of Arabo-Turkish origin, which means waterway.
Info: Wikipedia.
Photo: By Bryony Elena Via Unsplash
add to travel planPanasos: A Village for Nature Enthusiasts
The green village of Panasos in the Municipality of Gortys is adorned with olive groves, vineyards, and fruit trees.
If you happen to be in the area during the right season, make sure to taste the cherries too!
The village holds celebrations on 26th July in honour of Agia Paraskevi, on 8th September in honour of Panagia and also on the last Sunday of May during the cherry festival. The village boasts churches dedicated to various saints, including Agios Georgios, Agia Paraskevi, Sotiras, Panagia, Agios Ioannis Theologos, and Agios Nektarios.
To the east of the village lies the unexplored cave of Borothiana.
Just 500 metres away, there is a sulphurous spring known as Vromolimni, whose water used to be conveyed through an ancient aqueduct. Traces of this aqueduct can still be seen in Loutra, where bathing facilities were once located.
Photo: Wikipedia
add to travel planKapetaniana: An Inspiring Haven
Stavia, a dot on the map located in the mountain village of the Community of Stavia in the Municipality of Gortys, offers a peaceful sanctuary for those seeking tranquillity.
According to Wikipedia, the village derives its name from the captains (kapetanios = captain) who played a significant role in the battles against the Turks, making valuable contributions to the cause.
The village is home to the Church of Panagia dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which was constructed during the Byzantine period and dates back to the 15th century. The church celebrates its feast day on 15th August. Additionally, in Metzolati, there is a small church dedicated to the Holy Cross, which is built on the remains of an ancient ‘Iero Korifis’ (Peak Temple). This church commemorates its feast day on 14th September.
Photo: Wikipedia.
