Mochos is a mountainous village within the Municipality of Hersonissos. Positioned prominently is the monument dedicated to the fallen. Among those commemorated is Lieutenant Colonel Manolis Giakoumakis, who was executed by occupation troops in Agyia, Chania, on 27^th October 1943. Alongside him, four other resistance officers from Heraklion also lost their lives.

A memorial service is held at the Holy Church of Evangelistria to honour the heroic freedom fighter in his hometown.

Photos: Wikimedia Commons

The Church of Agia Paraskevi and Agios Panteleimon blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. 

Accessing it requires navigating a dirt road and may prove challenging, but the stunning view makes it worthwhile!

According to the Municipality of Hersonissos, it is a three-aisled church, with one aisle being transverse and the other serving as auxiliary. Historically, it was affiliated with a monastery. The oldest section of the church is the south aisle, believed to date back to the late 12th century or early 13th century.

The church celebrates its feast day on 26th and 27th July.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Located in Avdou, Pediada, just a stone's throw away from the Aposelemis Dam, stands a remarkable single-aisled, vaulted church.

Accessible via a rural road, this hidden gem boasts a rich historical and artistic heritage.

According to information provided by the Municipality of Hersonissos, the interior of the church is adorned with frescoes created by the esteemed iconographer brothers Manuel and Ioannis Fokas, who are renowned as significant contributors to Constantinople art in Crete.

Inside the church, near the entrance, visitors can behold a dedicatory inscription dating back to the year 1445, which references the Byzantine emperor John VIII Palaiologos (1425-1448), adding to the historical significance of this sacred site.

The church observes its feast day on 21^st May.

Photos: Wikimedia Commons

In Kokkini Hani, a coastal village within the Municipality of Hersonissos, stands the Church of Agioi Anargyri.

It is situated on the main road, along the old national road from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos.

The church celebrates its feast day on 1st July.

Let's recount the story of the brothers Kosmas and Damianos, who were physicians and, like all Anargyri saints, provided medical services without seeking payment. They even succeeded in converting Emperor Carinus to Christianity while they were undergoing torture. Sadly, they were probably murdered by a jealous medical competitor in the year 284. 

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Kato Vathia is an inland village within the Municipality of Hersonissos. At its focal point lies the Church of the Transfiguration of the Saviour, where both worshippers and visitors can behold a plethora of icons. 

The church commemorates its feast day on 6th August, with events organised on the eve and day of the celebration.

Photo:Wikimedia Commons

In the heart of Elia, a charming village within the Municipality of Hersonissos that remains untouched by the tourism clamour, stands the church of Agios Panteleimonas.

He serves as the patron saint of the village, and each year on 27th July, his feast day, a grand celebration takes place. If you're fortunate, you might find yourself amidst a lively festival filled with music and sumptuous dishes!

The church dates back to 1911.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons