It is one of the largest pilgrimages in Crete.

Situated in the valley of Gionas on the peninsula of Spatha, Kissamos, the small yet significant Monastery of Agios Ioannis Prodromos dates back to the 16^th century. Initially constructed as a single-aisled church, it was later expanded into a two-aisled structure, with the second aisle dedicated to Agios Nikolaos.

A special feature of the pilgrimage is the christening of many children who are ‘tagmena’, a Greek religious tradition whereby parents make promises to the saint, in exchange for the saint's protection and blessings upon their child.

The legend

According to legend, a weary monk, exhausted from the journey and the scorching heat, brought a branch of a plane tree from Nopigia and firmly planted it into the ground, declaring: ‘If the saint is a miracle worker, let this stick grow.’

Info: Wikipedia

Photo: Region of Crete

Mt Agios Dikeos is situated at an altitude of 1180 metres, to the south of the village of Elos.

Mt Agios Dikeos boasts the highest peak in the province of Kissamos.

The visitors can also visit the Church of Agios Dikeos, which was constructed in 1870 to honour the Righteous Job and celebrates its feast day on 6^th May.

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Tyflos River flows through the Topolia Gorge, originating from Mt Dikeos (or Dikaios) and eventually reaching the bay of Kissamos.

Legend has it that fairies inhabited the surrounding area, and the beautiful nymph Vritomartis used to drink water from the river.

Numerous villages were established along the river, allowing people to cultivate various species of plants.

Photo: By Aaron Burden Via Unsplash

Nestled in the picturesque village of Elos, beauty reveals itself at every turn.

Adjacent to the old aqueduct, within the village square, stands the church of St John the Theologian.

It is constructed in the style of a single-aisled arched roof and has been dated to the early 14^th century based on its iconographies. The frescoes within are attributed to John Pagomenos. Frescoes depicting supplication, melodic elements involving the cooperation of hierarchs, the hospitality of Abraham, and images of saints both mounted and standing, are well-preserved.

Info: Wikipedia

One of the notable architectural landmarks from the Venetian era in the city of Kissamos is the renowned Headquarters, located in Tzanakaki Square within the castle of Kastelli. This prominent structure stands on the traditional side of the city, which served as the focal point for both the Venetian and subsequent Turkish conquerors. The Turkish occupiers expanded the castle walls, incorporating the Headquarters within its boundaries. Throughout the years, the interior and exterior spaces of the building underwent several alterations until 2006, when it was transformed into the Archaeological Museum of Kissamos.

The collection of archaeological artefacts in the broader region of Kissamos was initiated in 1936 by the Philological Association of Kastelli. The following year, a portion of the collection was displayed in two rooms on the ground floor, while the remaining space was utilised for public services such as the Justice of the Peace and the Land Registry. Between 2000 and 2006, essential renovations and modifications were carried out to transform the building into an exclusive museum facility. Since the completion of these efforts, the building has operated solely as a museum.

For more information Municipality of Kissamos

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