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Zominthos (Greek: Ζώμινθος, alternative spellings Ζόμινθος or Ζόμιθος) is a small plateau in the northern foothills of Mount Ida (Psiloritis), οn the island of Crete. Zominthos is roughly 7.5 kilometers west of the village of Anogia, on the path from Knossos to Idaion Andron, the great sanctuary cave near the peak of Ida. Zominthos is best known for the large Minoan building discovered there; signs of permanent settlement date back to about 1800 BC.
Professor Yannis Sakellarakis discovered the site in 1982, during his first day of excavations at the nearby Ideon Andron Cave by Psiloritis mountain, close to Anogia Village, when a shepherd told him about his pastures and sheep in an area called “Zominthos.”
Intrigued by the pre-Hellenic place-name, he began small-scale excavations the following year, which revealed the Central Building that is now believed to have dominated one of the main Minoan routes up to Mount Ida, today called Psiloritis. Zominthos may have been used as a rest stop for visitors making their way from Knossos to the Ideon Cave, the great sanctuary cave near the peak of Ida, as is mentioned in Plato’s Laws (book I, 625B): “I dare say that you will not be unwilling to give an account of your government and laws; on our way we can pass the time pleasantly in and about them, for I am told that the distance from Knossos to the cave and the temple of Zeus is considerable; and doubtless there are shady places under the lofty trees, which will protect us from this scorching sun.”
Zominthos seems to have been occupied beginning the 17th century B.C., with an extensive settlement and a monumental Central Building that covers an area of 1,600 square meters (17,000 square feet). Beneath the Central Building, which was gradually developed from the 17th century onward, the remains of several earlier structures have been identified. Because of the severe climate conditions on the mountaintop—including snow during the winter months—the site may not have been used throughout the entire year, but rather as a seasonal habitat. During the summer months, people likely moved their flocks of sheep here, to higher altitudes, while exploiting natural resources, such as minerals, herbs, and pharmaceutical plants. These products, along with woolen textiles and olives, were the goods most commonly exported from Minoan Crete to Egypt and the Middle East.
The Central Building is extremely well preserved and some of its walls still stand at a height of 2.2 meters (7.2 feet). However, creating the foundation of such a huge building at this altitude is quite a complicated issue. Its unlikely location and size, as well as its careful construction, indicate the existence of a central authority that intended to control the region’s resources, including its flocks and pastures. Zominthos may therefore be considered a well-organized administrative complex—built on a strategic spot for the control of the area—that fully adapted to the inhospitable Cretan mountains. Its location on the ancient route to Psiloritis and the wealth of pottery found at the site indicate that it was likely also a religious and crafts center.
The accounting archives in the Linear B script from the palace at Knossos—about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Zominthos—record thousands of sheep along with shepherds’ names. However, the location of the land where these sheep were grazing has always been a mystery. Zominthos and the neighboring regions have very prosperous pastures, so it could be that the sheep recorded in the Knossos tablets were mainly concentrated here at Zominthos. The Central Building’s importance is confirmed by its asymmetrical facades and orientation to the cardinal points, which are well-known characteristics of Minoan palaces. Zominthos was destroyed by an earthquake around 1600 B.C., which resulted in a fire that devastated the vast majority of building’s structure. But various finds from the Central Building indicate that the site continued to be used in Mycenaean, Archaic, Hellenistic, and Roman times.
After a gap of 17 years, archaeological work at the site of Zominthos resumed in the summer of 2005. Although only the ground floor is visible today, archaeological evidence suggests that the Central Building had at least two floors built of large blocks of local stone, some coated with white plaster and decorated with frescoes. Only 10 of at least 45 rooms of the ground floor have been partly or fully explored up to now, and the results can be summarized as follows: The rooms contained pottery, masses of animal bones, numerous fragments of carbonized wood, and several small artifacts. The vast majority of the pottery includes conical cups, cooking pots, and pithoi. Also, several ceramic water conduits have been found, probably indicating a central drainage system. In the western part of the Central Building, a complex consisting of at least two workshops was discovered.
Timios Stavros (Holy Cross), the peak of Psiloritis
Timios Stavros is the summit of Psiloritis Mountain, and it is the roof of Crete. Located 2456 meters above sea level in the middle of Mediterranean, it is a challenge for every visitor and inhabitant of the island, a debt that should be fulfilled.
From its peak, this narrow and elongated mountain chain permits a panoramic view over the whole island. The steep cliffs at the south and west bring the Mesara and the Amari right in front of the visitor’s feet. The Kedros and Kouloukonas mountains look just like small twin brothers, while the Lefka Ori and Lassithi mountains rise just like walls both to the west and to the east respectively.
It is possible to ascend to the peak from every side of the mountain. It can be done either from the Nida plateau, from the Fourfouras and Kouroutes villages following the E4 hiking trails, through the Zoniana and Livadia villages from the north, and from the Arkadi area in the west.
On the peak, the chapel of Timios Stavros (Holy Cross) is a replica of a mitato and a refuge for the climbers to protect themselves from the cold winds or the very strong chill of the night, but most definitely their favorite destination all year long.
The artistic events, which take place every year in the first week of July at the same place called Fourni and in the Cretan village of Anogia are thus called YAKINTHIA.The idea to build a church at the same place came from the Archbishop of Rethymnon, Anthymos, who himself laid down the foundation stone.
The chapel is built in the shape of a Crete "mitato", a circular building made of flat stones without mortar 1.200 m above sea level. The building was realized after the rules of the Late Minoan architecture with a dome. The inclination starts above 2 meters and leaves a hole of 30 cm at the top. The planning and control was realized by the architect Stavros Vidalis.
http://yakinthia.com/
Timios Stavros (Holy Cross), the peak of Psiloritis
Timios Stavros is the summit of Psiloritis Mountain, and it is the roof of Crete. Located 2456 meters above sea level in the middle of Mediterranean, it is a challenge for every visitor and inhabitant of the island, a debt that should be fulfilled.
From its peak, this narrow and elongated mountain chain permits a panoramic view over the whole island. The steep cliffs at the south and west bring the Mesara and the Amari right in front of the visitor’s feet. The Kedros and Kouloukonas mountains look just like small twin brothers, while the Lefka Ori and Lassithi mountains rise just like walls both to the west and to the east respectively.
It is possible to ascend to the peak from every side of the mountain. It can be done either from the Nida plateau, from the Fourfouras and Kouroutes villages following the E4 hiking trails, through the Zoniana and Livadia villages from the north, and from the Arkadi area in the west.
On the peak, the chapel of Timios Stavros (Holy Cross) is a replica of a mitato and a refuge for the climbers to protect themselves from the cold winds or the very strong chill of the night, but most definitely their favorite destination all year long.
The village of Voriza is 53km southwest of Heraklion on the Heraklion - Agia Varvara - Gergeri - Zaros - Voriza road. Below (south) the village is the Varsamonero Monastery, down a dirt track. Only the church of Agios Fanourios remains of the monastery. Vorizia is a historic settlement of shepherds with 610 inhabitants (2001 census). Along with several other villages of Crete, Vorizia were utterly destroyed during WWII because of the participation of its inhabitants in the resistance against the German occupation.Northeast of the village, up on Psiloritis, is where the hideout of the resistance captain Petrakogiorgis. After the war, the state built the settlement of Nea Vorizia in a new location; however, the people decided to rebuild their old village and settle there anew. Today, on the road to the village one can see the ruins of "Nea Vorizia".On the 15th of August of every year, celebrations take place in the village in honour of the resistance against the German occupation. Nikolaos Malikoutis, one of the important leaders of the 1821 revolution was also from Vorizia. By taking the path that crosses the Nida gorge, one can also reach the Nida plateau on Psiloritis.Last but not least must be mentioned also the olive trees on the cultivated hill crests at the village of Voriza.
The most important among the potholes-caves of the Anogia - Petradolakia area (close to Nida Plateau), and one of the most important of Greece, is Tafkoura. It is the second deepest cave in Greece and one of the deepest in the Balkans, reaching -860 meters below the surface.
It was formed within the platy marble of the Psiloritis area, probably having started on one of the many faults that fragment the rocks of the area. However, water followed the upward movements of Psiloritis, digging the rocks deeper and deeper to reach sea-level, finally forming this long pothole-cave system. The total, mapped length of the cave is about 6,5 kilometers and it is the longest of Crete. Tafkoura, together with the nearby caves Tafkos (-475 m.), Diplotafki (-400 m) and Mythia Kampathoura (-270 m.) caves form the deepest karstic .water conduits of Psiloritis, though which rain and the snow water goes to the Almyros spring near Heraklion.
Life adapted in these underground worlds giving rise to species that can survive in the ageless darkness as easily as their ancestors did on the surface. Apart from the different species of bats; snails, spiders, false-scorpions, woolise and insects are the main groups which constitute the fauna of Psiloritis’ caves.
The caves however are closely related with the people of the mountains and their diachronic activities. From their first appearance on the island the caves were their places of worship, the houses, the cheese-dairies, refuges during difficult periods and also sacred places. That’s why most caves have a significant archaeological and historic value (and like all the caves in Greece are regarded as potential archaeological sites).
migeros plateau develops just below Psiloritis summit at an altitude of about 1700m. It is formed by a series of small and large depressions which are created along a big fault that fragments all the nortern area of Psiloritis Mountains.
A trail starts from Migero's plataeu leading up to the summit of Psiloritis oferring also a spectacular view of the dolines and the horizontal layers of rocks.
The Varsamonerou Monastery lies in the surrounding fields of the village Voriza, 54.5 kms from Heraklion City. The monastery is abandoned and, though its cells have been destroyed, its church has some of the most remarkable wall paintings in Crete. These paintings show the high artistic level of the different schools in 15th century Crete.Nowadays the church is known as Agios (Saint) Fanourios but it is also dedicated to Our Lady of the Way and to Saint John: through the years, several extensions were added to the original nave.
The oldest section of the church, dedicated to Our Lady of the Way, has wall paintings that date back to the 14th century. This north nave contains, among others, the outstanding representations of Saint John from Damas, Saint Onoufrios and the Dormition; in the south -and more recent nave- dedicated to Saint John the Forerunner, one can admire several scenes from the Passion (The Entrance to Jerusalem, the Last Supper, the Treason of Judas), the Crucifixion and the Epitaph.
The arch and eastern section of the church are from the 15th century (1400-1407).
All these wall paintings form an important part of the Cretan heritage during the first centuries of Venetian rule. In the Varsamonerou Monastery there were other remarkable icons, painted by the famous artist Angelos, and the beautifully carved iconostasis of the monastery is now in the Historical Museum of Crete, in Heraklion. This iconostasis is an outstanding example of religious art.The monastery, famous for all the art representations it possessed, was also known for its studies: a great number of books were to be found in its library. Not only religious books but ancient Greek texts as well: a catalogue, dating back to 1644, gives us the names of several philosophical treaties by such writers as Xenophon, Eschynis, Plutarch, etc.The monastery was abandoned at the beginning of the 18th century.
Kamares is a village at the southern flank of Psiloritis mountain. Kamares village is famous due to its cave and to the paths leading to Psiloritis peak after a 7 hour walk. At Kamares the trail starts which leads first to the cave. The cave is high above the village (altitude 1523m) and the ascend takes about 4hrs.
This is a very large cave located under the summit of Mavri (1,950m). It is reached after a steep and difficult ascent taking 4 hours on a path that is not well marked. A great part of the route is through a wooded area with three or four springs of water and rewarding views of the Messara plains and Libyan Sea.
If the weather is good then you may see the island of Gavdos far out to sea. The distance from Heraklion city is 56 km and from Zaros village 13km to east.
This is a very large cave located under the summit of Mavri (1,950m). It is reached after a steep and difficult ascent taking 4 hours on a path that is not well marked. A great part of the route is through a wooded area with three or four springs of water and rewarding views of the Messara plains and Libyan Sea.
If the weather is good then you may see the island of Gavdos far out to sea. The distance from Heraklion city is 56 km and from Zaros village 13km to east.
Grigiria is a small mountainous village built at 420m above sea.level on the southern side of the mountain Psiloritis. It has 214 inhabitants (2001) and is mentioned in all Venetian censuses (and of 1563) . The name of the village comes from the word "grigoros" (=fast).
Also this village suffered during WW II. The view to the bay of Messara is fantastic and it seems like time has stood still in this village. A beautiful walking route leads to Lagolio village (4 km southern). The traditional mill: “Moulali” from 1850 is also worth seeing. Opposite of Grigoria is the beautiful mountain “Kartalos” which will be very interesting for climbers. At the 14th of September there is a party in Grigoria with Cretan music..
Also this village suffered during WW II. The view to the bay of Messara is fantastic and it seems like time has stood still in this village. A beautiful walking route leads to Lagolio village (4 km southern). The traditional mill: “Moulali” from 1850 is also worth seeing. Opposite of Grigoria is the beautiful mountain “Kartalos” which will be very interesting for climbers. At the 14th of September there is a party in Grigoria with Cretan music..
79 km from Rethymno is the well-known Nida Plateau situated on Mount Psiloritis. Not far from there you will find the Ideon Andron, the cave in which Zeus was housed as a child.
The plateau is 1400 meters from sea level and has a place in Greek mythology.
The plateau is 60 km south west from Iraklion, stop or stay at the notorious mountain village of Anogia to get the flavour of these wild mountains. 24 km higher up in the mountains from Anogia and totally unpopulated, the Nida Plateau is a high grazing ground for sheep in spring. At many times of the year it is cut off; completely snow-bound.
On the Nida Plateau, which is used for pasturing during the summer months, you will find the famous "mitata", vaulted stone buildings, in which the shepherds live.
Furthermore the Nida Plateau provides skiing facilities during the winter months.
The plateau is 1400 meters from sea level and has a place in Greek mythology.
The plateau is 60 km south west from Iraklion, stop or stay at the notorious mountain village of Anogia to get the flavour of these wild mountains. 24 km higher up in the mountains from Anogia and totally unpopulated, the Nida Plateau is a high grazing ground for sheep in spring. At many times of the year it is cut off; completely snow-bound.
On the Nida Plateau, which is used for pasturing during the summer months, you will find the famous "mitata", vaulted stone buildings, in which the shepherds live.
Furthermore the Nida Plateau provides skiing facilities during the winter months.
On the south entrance to the Agios Nikolaos (or Rouvas) gorge that bears the same name, one can find the Aghios Nikolaos monastery which used to be the 3rd most important of the Zaros area. Today, only the small temple of Aghios Nikolaos from the 14th century is preserved. The distance from Zaros Village is only 2 km.
Large parts of the murals from that era are also preserved. It is probable that it was a convent that was deserted after a natural disaster. On the eastern slope of the mountain, around 500 m from Agios Nikolaos one can find the small cave of Aghios Efthimios.In the Venetian years it was glebe of the Varsamonero monastery and was called Aghios Nikolaos in Karopouliana. The 1644 census indicates that it was a herding area.The glebe was preserved throughout the Ottoman period, while in the end of the 19th century a group of nuns settled in Agios Nikolaos. Many of the cells were renovated and the surrounding land, which was substantially large, started being cultivate.
Large parts of the murals from that era are also preserved. It is probable that it was a convent that was deserted after a natural disaster. On the eastern slope of the mountain, around 500 m from Agios Nikolaos one can find the small cave of Aghios Efthimios.In the Venetian years it was glebe of the Varsamonero monastery and was called Aghios Nikolaos in Karopouliana. The 1644 census indicates that it was a herding area.The glebe was preserved throughout the Ottoman period, while in the end of the 19th century a group of nuns settled in Agios Nikolaos. Many of the cells were renovated and the surrounding land, which was substantially large, started being cultivate.
Tafkos of Petradolakia in Rethymno prefecture lies south of Anogia, at the site of Petradolakia and, at this point, it is the second deepest cave, after Tafkoura, in the area of Psiloritis.
One of the first potholes to be explored by the French speleologists in the 80s and 90s, at an altitude of 1.437 meters, Tafkos of Petradolakia is 475 meters in depth and the length of its corridors reaches 380 meters.
Its entrance is formed in a limestone of Tripoli and after the first 100 meters it digs into limestone plates of Psiloritis. Along the way, the Tafkos of Petradolakia has over 20 precipices with an average depth of 30 meters and, several of them, 45 and 60 meters deep creating waterfalls with large amounts of water. The flow of the water is constant throughout the year, with large variations in flow rate at the depth of 23 meters and below. In winter, the water level in the cave forbids its accessing from November to April, while the conditions are quite difficult even during the summer, since the water temperature is only 6 degrees Celsius.
The Tafkos of Petradolakia, consisting of at least 20 impressive vertical wells with an average depth of 30-40 meters, has rich decoration of all kinds, such as stalactites, stalagmites, columns, stone basins, helictites, corals etc.
Along the largest chamber of the cave, known as “the room of the deer”, fossilized skull fragments of a deer were found, an animal that is considered to have been living in Crete 50,000 years ago. Similar fossils have been found in other caves of Psiloritis.
The Tafkos of Petradolakia ends at the siphon where the French cavers dived in 1991. The water circulating in the cave’s depths probably ends up in underwater torrents in the northern coasts of Heraklio.
Lohria which is the last village at the east part of Rethymnon is located 61 km far from Rethimno city and 21 from Zaros (eastern) by an altitude of 580m. Residends: 1940: 329 and 1991: 294
After Vistagi continue to the south (toward Fourfouras) and prepare yourself for one of the most beautiful routes on asphalt in all of Crete, which takes you to the town of Agia Varvara through Lochria - Kamares - Zaros on the road that connects Iraklio and Gortina.
Although it cannot exactly be described as a “mountain route,” it follows the west and south side of Mount Psiloritis and sometimes takes you to a pretty high altitude from where you can enjoy a great view wherever you look. If the night finds you travelling in this area, you have very few chances of finding “decent” accommodations. Apart from some shabby Rooms to Let in Platanos, Kamares and a few other villages, there is no place to rent.
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