Marmaketo Village: Discovering Wonders
A miracle unfolds every year in the village of Marmaketo.
The miracle of Marmaketo unfolds as the withered violets of Easter bloom anew during the Gospel on 8th May (St John the Theologian).
Situated on the eastern edges of the Lassithi Plateau, this is a quaint village perched at an elevation of 890 metres, nestled at the base of Fakidia Hill.
Within the Marmaketo community lies the settlement of Farsaro. Despite its modest dimensions, this location boasts numerous attractions worth exploring.
Photo Vladimircaribb Via Vista.Create.
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Psychro: The Birthplace of Zeus and More
According to tradition, Zeus was said to have been born in Psychro, the most famous village on the Plateau. This is because of the cave called Dikteon Andron, located right above the village and attracting many tourists.
The village rests at the northern base of Mt Toumpa Moutsounas, which forms part of the Dikti mountain range. Psychro is positioned on the southern end of the Lassithi (Lasithi) Plateau, neighbouring the villages of Plati and Magoulas. It stands at a distance of 45 kilometres from Agios Nikolaos and 56 kilometres from Heraklion.
Towards the upper section of the village, situated beneath the Dikteon Andron cave, you'll find several businesses, including a model theme park. This park notably contributes to the growth of tourism in the region.
Information/ Photo Wikipedia
Tzermiado: Where the Heart of the Plateau Thrives
Tzermiado (also known as Tzermiadon) serves as the administrative centre of the Municipality of Lassithi Plateau.
Its residents primarily focus on cultivating potatoes and other fruits and vegetables. Positioned at an altitude of 850 metres, Tzermiado is situated 49 kilometres west of Agios Nikolaos and 55 kilometres east of Heraklion.
A short distance away lies the Trapeza or Kronion Cave, which holds significance both in terms of its spelunking characteristics and its historical value.
Visitors have the opportunity to marvel at its picturesque churches, including the Holy Cross Church located at the heart of the village. Notable among them is Agia Triada, distinguished by its lofty bell tower and captivating architecture that stands out amidst the narrow lanes lined with traditional houses.
Countless windmills stand as a distinctive feature of the area.
Photo by Evangelos Mpikakis Via Unsplash
Plati: A Historic Village
Here, history comes alive! Plati is one of the most historically significant settlements on the Lassithi Plateau.
In 1913, at the suggestion of Joseph Chatzidakis, excavations were undertaken adjacent to the village by R M Dawkins of the English School of Archaeology. According to information provided by the Municipality, these excavations revealed three Minoan structures dating from Late Minoan I, as well as newer constructions from the Greek era.
The village adheres to the traditions of the region, where visitors can marvel at one of the renowned watermills of the plateau.
Photo: wujekspeed Via Vista.Create