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Καστέλλι, Ελλάδα 
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Places near Church
During the excavations for the construction of the High school of Kastelli in 1979, the Ephorate of Antiquities in Heraklion was informed of the existence of vessels around the area There were all samples of pottery of the Old Minoan period, dating from the second phase of the Middle Minoan period (about 1900 BC) and well hidden in a crypt. The archaeological site lies in the low hill of Kastelli, underneath the current settlement and it involves parts of an enlarged Minoan settlement that lies in an area of 100 acres.
In a breathtaking natural landscape, east of Kastelli (Heraklion Prefecture - Central Crete), and at a distance of two kilometers, lies the church of Agios Ioannis Romanito within a beautiful glen that crosses a small river.
The settlements Ano and Kato Karouziana offer a spectacular view, graphic little lanes, traditional kafeneia and taverns and is a popular tourist destination, especially in the summer where many Kritikes Vradies (Cretan evenings) are organized with local music and dance. Due to the particular natural beauty of the landscape they have been included in the programme, "NATURA 2000".
Close to the village Bizariano, a pretty village with stone houses, small alleys and courtyards covered with flowers, in a beautiful spot full of lush vegetation, evergreen plane trees and gushing water, stands the ancient church of Agios Pandeleimonas, with its three naves.
The village of Smari is a traditional Cretan village, only 10 km away from Kastelli. In it you will find beautiful old stone houses that have been restored, picturesque little alleys, ruins of older buildings and pottery workshops where you can purchase copies of Byzantine and Minoan ceramics. There are also some interesting churches with wonderful frescoes like the one dedicated to Sotir Christos, the Koimisi tis Panagias and Agios Georgios.
To the east, 100 m down from Smari Acropolis in the direction to Smari village, you can see the traditional village of Lagou, and the church of Profitis Ilias among the trees and gushing water, a real oasis to visitors suffering from the hot Cretan summer. Next to it stands the church of Agios Georgios with wonderful wall paintings.
A marvelous landscape, with dense vegetation, is also found in Askiano Gorge which is, however, difficult to cross.
Kastamonitsa lies in the foothills of the Afendi Mountain (1578 m), with the Dikti Mountains in the background. 4 km out of the village you get to a lovely spot known as Mesada with dense greenery, bushes and aromatic plants.
In the location Karas to Pigadi on the top of the Lasithi Mountains there is a small rural church that of Agios Mamas with panoramic view, well worth visiting.
Mathia village
lies in the foothills of the Afendi mountain (1578 m), with the Dikti Mountain in the background. Metochi, lies in beautiful surroundings. It is here, where the historical holm-oak of Ismail Pasha stands, among plane trees and running water. You can also visit an old factory and several ruined mills. .There are camping facilities in this area.
From Geraki village , by taking an ascent of about 13km of dirt road, you can reach the lovely rural chapel of Agia Anna, going through a particularly beautiful landscape. To get there, you can either walk, or drive if you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle that will stand up to the rough mountainous terrain.
You will find that the view from Agia Anna down over the Geraki glen compensates your efforts. A series of different types of landscape meet the eye; rocky areas lie in contrast to wooded land, sheep, goats and pretty, stone-built sheepfolds. Bring some food with you and you will find fresh running water by the chapel. The place is ideal for a picnic.
Cave of Jesus Christ
The cave of Jesus Christ is on the northwest of Kastelli, at the place “Petrades”, at an altitude of 360 meters. In 1934 the cave attracted J. Pendlebury’s attention, a British archaeologist, who made his research, as P. Faure did 20 years later.
Excavations in the cave have shown prehistoric findings from the Minoan period but also remains of historical times, Roman and Byzantine era, confirming the timeless ritual use of the area from early antiquity until today.
Church of Afenti Christou (Lord Christ) in Kastelli
In the village of Kastelli lies the Byzantine church of the Lord Christ, in particular near the Town Hall, in the courtyard of the High School of Kastelli. It is a single – aisled arched church, the door frame of which is from the Venetian era. The facade is decorated with a double tiered brick ornament on both sides of the door, while five glazed panels, in the shape of a cross, have been embedded on the pediment. Frescoes of the 14th century are maintained inside despite the various uses of the site in the past, during the period of German Rule and as a classroom used by the residents.
Church of Saint Fotini and Saint Spyridon in Kastelli
Within the village of Kastelli, opposite the County Court, you can see the church dedicated to both Agia Fotini and Agios Spyridon. Inside the area of the Sanctuary of the north aisle is covered with a cupola. A third aisle is across the two existing ones, while the three aisles are arched and connected through arched openings. The south aisle is dedicated to Agia Fotini and the north one to Agios Spyridon.
Church of Agios Panteleimon (Saint Panteleimon)
The large historic Byzantine church of Agios Panteleimon of the 11th century is located near Bitzariano, north of Kastelli, in a location where nature is impressive. This is a three-aisled domed basilica of the Middle Byzantine period, which retains earlier architectural remnants on the south side, perhaps indicative of the fact that it has been built on the site of an early Christian church.
The fragmentary wall paintings are of particular interest and they are better preserved in the lower parts of the side walls, the central apse and the fronts of the eastern piers. The paintings are divided into three layers, dating from the 2nd half of the 11th up to the 13th century. Despite the many interventions in the temple, there is the possibility that this used to be an aisled basilica.
Village with spectacular view, graphic little lanes, traditional kafeneia and taverns is a popular tourist destination, especially in the summer where many Kritikes Vradies (Cretan evenings) are organized with local music and dance.
Bisariano is a traditional small village of about 24 inhabitants in the Municipality of Kasteli Pediada, 320 m above sea level and about 3 km to the north of Kastelli on the road to Hersonissos.
A pretty village with stone houses, graphic lanes and courtyards covered in flowers.
It is first mentioned in 1881, as Bizariano, Municipality of Kasteli, with 55 Christian inhabitants. In 1951, it changes its name to Pigi. Its first name is that of a family, Bizariano.
Close to the village, in a beautiful spot full of lush vegetation, evergreen plane trees and gushing water, stands the ancient church of Agios Pandeleimonas, with its three naves.
Two rows of arches supported by columns without capitals separate the naves. Another column is made exclusively of capitals, apparently brought in from other churches or temples. Practically all the middle outside wall is decorated with inscriptions, Byzantine reliefs and crosses.
The artistic highlight of the church of Saint Panteleimon are its fresco scenes painted on the walls which are among the oldest in Crete, although very few frescoes remain. In the lower section of the arch, there is the representation of the three Hierarchs, shown on full length, with vertical inscriptions on it. On the two side walls there are the representations of Saints in a colossal size. These scenes were designed to be a source of biblical education to the faithful, who would have been illiterate at that time.
Church of Saint George in Lyttos (Xidas)
The church of St. George is characterized by the architectural style of the arched temple and it is located near the settlement of Lyttos or Xidas. A dedicatory inscription on the west wall shows that the murals inside date from 1321. Scenes from St. George’s life and from the Gospel can be seen on the walls of the church and external glazed panels form an equilateral cross, a common decorative motif in the area.
The fortress of Kastelli Pediadas was exceptionally built on a low hill, where the town of Kastelli Pediadas is today and it probably comes from the Byzantine period. It housed the administrative and military authorities but it was also a grain warehouse. Its importance was mainly administrative and not military. There are no remains of the castle today. However, the homonymous town in the same location is named after this castle.
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