The Minoan villa of Vathypetro, situated at the position Piso Livadia, 4 km south of Archanes in the southeast side of Yuhtas. It is a large building, in some parts it has two storeys, with walls decorated with colourful mortar, without frescoes.

The excavation started in 1949 by Spyridon Marinatos and lasted until 1956. Restoration and consolidation works were conducted during the excavation and were continued until 1973. In one of the restored rooms there is a small exhibition with the pottery from the villa of Vathypetro.

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Source Region of Crete

A destination cherished not only by the faithful but also by nature enthusiasts!

At the summit of Yiouchtas, commonly referred to as Crete's sacred mountain, perched on the cliff's edge, stands the Holy Church of Afentis Christos.

This four-martyr church is dedicated to the Transfiguration of Christ (celebrated on 6^th August), Agia Zoni (celebrated on 31^st August), the Holy Apostles (celebrated on 30^th June), and the Saints Anargyri (celebrated on 1^st July).

Founded in 1443, the church is the surviving remnant of a monastery that thrived during the Venetian rule. The monastery attracted numerous visitors in search of the tomb of Zeus.

A grand festival occurs annually on 6^th August.

Info: OrthodoxCrete

Photo: By Evangelos Mpikakis Via Unsplash

In the beautiful village of Agies Paraskies, most churches are dedicated to Agia Paraskevi.

However, the church of Agia Zoni, dating back to the early Venetian period, holds a unique significance for the village.

According to the Municipality of Archanes-Asterousia, the church is entirely covered in frescoes; however, regrettably, a portion of these frescoes is currently concealed under layers of plaster.

Photo: Wikipedia

The untamed beauty of the landscape leaves visitors breathless.

Situated between the Messara Plain and the Libyan Sea, stretching from Tsoutsouras in the east to Cape Lithino in the west, the Asterousia mountains boast a unique charm. While their altitude is not exceptionally high, reaching the summit can be quite challenging due to the rugged terrain characterised by dirt roads, gorges, and ravines. The highest peak, Kofinas, stands at an elevation of 1231 metres.

Asterousia is defined by elevated temperatures, aridity, and sparse vegetation, predominantly composed of scrubland. The scant trees that manage to take root quickly become fodder for voracious goats that consume everything in their path. The stark mountains, jagged rocks, and towering cliffs, plunging hundreds of metres into the sea, bestow upon the entire region an enigmatic character unparalleled anywhere else in Europe.

Info: Region of Crete

Photo 1: By Evangelos Mpikakis Via Unsplash

In the traditional village of Pyrgos, Monofatsi, you can find remarkable churches.

The Church of Saints George and Constantine is particularly noteworthy.

Originally, the church had three aisles, but today, only the central and southern aisles dedicated to Agios Georgios and Agios Konstantinos, respectively, remain intact.

Special Illustrations

The iconographic scheme of the church diverges from the conventional one, particularly in the area of the altar. Instead of depicting the Ascension and Pentecost, this section features four gospel scenes and four episodes from the life of Constantine the Great. These include the Nativity of Constantine the Great, his Transfer as an infant to the court of Emperor Diocletian, the Blessing of Saints Constantine and Helen by Christ, and a representation that combines the Mulvia bridge battle with the entrance of Constantine the Great into Rome after the battle. 

Information: orthodoxcrete.com

Photo: Wikipedia