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Places near Zoodochos Pigi
The apartments "Acropol" are located in Pitsidia, one of the most beautiful villages of south Crete.
Pitsidia finds itself a couple of kilometres from Matala and Phaistos archaeological site, and about 75 kilometres from Heraklion town.
At Kommos, above the famous beach in the south of the prefecture of Heraklion, there is the archaeological site of the Minoan city of Komos. Kommos in Minoan Crete was one of the two ports of the Minoan palace of Phaistos. Matala was the other one.
Excavations of the archaeological site began for the first time in 1976 by a group of Canadian archaeologists, but the existence of Kommos and its connection to the palace of Phaistos was known by Sir Arthur Evans. The finds include the harbor settlement, and public buildings such as shipyards, warehouses, prytaneion, temple and an amphitheater building. One of the most important finds are the ancient olive oil presses, which reveal how developed was the cultivation of olive trees in Minoan Crete.
The archaeological site is not accessible but you can admire the building findings outside the fenced area which is accessible from the road leading to Kommos beach.
The church of Agios Georgios Galatas is located within the archaeological site of Agia Triada, the summer Minoan Royal Villa which is located 3 km west of the Palace of Phaistos, and built in Byzantine period.
It is stated that the church was built in 1302, but seems that it existed and renovated that year. In the interior of the church there are unique frescoes of the 14th century. On the north wall outside the church there is a grave of 1581, which bears the double-headed eagle, symbol of the Byzantine Empire. Unusual is the temple of the church which is built of stone.
The islands Paksimadia and Gavdos can be seen in the horizon. The uninhabited Paksimadia (or Paximadia) is around 10 kilometres away from the shore and owe their name to the dryness that dominates on the island.
The inhabited island of Gavdos is the southernmost point of Europe, and is about 17 kilometres away from the shore and is visible when the weather is clear.
For those who love to walk, the neighbouring beach of Kommo offers the perfect setting with the waves ending right at your feet. The ancient port of the Minoan era brings the visitor closer to the history and culture of the Cretan civilisation.During the summer months, the area bursts with life due to its constantly growing tourist population, which it has been enjoyng over the last years. This is no surprise considering its crystal clear beach and breathtaking sunset. There is an abundance of taverns and bars in which you can enjoy a drink and delicious traditional dishes with fresh seadfood.The village of Kalamaki is 60 km far from Heraklion City and 72 from Rethimno. Close to Kalamaki are located the traditional villages Sivas, Kamilari, Pitsidia, Petrokefali and many more.12 kilometres further inland is Mires, a town with many shops, services, such as a post office, banks, a hospital, pharmacies, large supermarkets for economic purchases including LIDL and Marinopoulos-Carrefour. Mires is also known for its well-known Pazari (flee market) every Saturday. It is the largest one in Southern Crete, where you can find anything from women’s and men’s undergarments and children’s games to vegetables, fruit, kitchenware, carpets and delicatessen’s such as feta cheese and honey. Something similar but on a smaller scale is held every Friday in Timbaki, a nearby village, west of Mires.
It is the second in size archeological site of west Mesara, after Phaistos. The distance between them is about 3km. It took its name by a small deserted settlement of the Venetian period, which is preserved west from the archeological site, and by its homonym church. The Minoan palace, the settlement and its cemeteries were excavated by F. Albert and his partners in 1902-1904. The site was inhabited since the beginning of the pre-palatial period. The most imposing monuments from this period are two domed tombs. The diameter of the largest is 9m. Their entrance is in the east and in the south there were burial and ritual chambers.From the pre-palatial period, we only have a vague image of the settlement. During the neo-palatial period, Aghia Triada was the political and administrative center. There are many findings from this period (Linear A inscriptions, stamps, ect.).In 1450 the settlement of Aghia Triada was destroyed along with Phaistos, and after 1400 Aghia Triada became once again the center of Mesara. The new plan of the palatial city includes monumental buildings that are not found anywhere else in Crete. The southern sector includes the palatial hall, the headquarters of the local authority and next to it an arcade facing the paved plateau with the altars. In the western extremity of the arcade there was an independent temple with paintings of octopuses and dolphins on the floor. The new plan also included storage chambers on the market plateau. North from the plateau, there were two large -probably administrative- buildings.
Kamilari, a typical Cretan village, away from mass tourism, has managed to preserve its traditional character. The village is located on a hill offering panoramic views of the Psiloritis mountain range, the fertile Messara plain and last not least the Mediterranean Sea.
The warm and peaceful atmosphere and the hospitality of the village people make you feel welcome and home right away. Plenty of places in and around the village are worth a visit, either on foot or by rented car or bike. Important Minoan sights like the Palace of Phaistos and Agia Triada are in a distance of 3-4 km. Matala, a little fishing village, with its famous caves and history as domicile of the hippies is only 6 km away. You can take long walks in the countryside or visit some of the monasteries and gorges of the area.Extensive sandy beaches invite you for a swim, Kommos beach (2,5 km) with its Minoan excavations or Kalamaki beach (3 km). The village has several taverns and little supermarkets as well as traditional kafeneia where the locals are enjoying their Greek coffee chatting away.
The village of Pitsidia is located 65 km southwest of Iraklion at an altitude of 80 m a.s.l, just before the magnificent bay of Messara and 2km far from the famous Kommo beach. The village with aproximately 700 inhabitants is the seat of the Pitsidia-Matala community. Pitsidia is the oldest village of the area and is refered (by S. Spanakis) that it was the place where the s oldiers of Nikiforos Fokas, commander of the Byzantine army, settled. The army, famous for its bravery, came from Pisidia of the south Asia Minor, and this is probably the origin of the name Pitsidia. The road from Iraklion is fairly good and passes through the Messara valley. Regular public transportation is available for visiting Pitsidia-Matala. The climate is temperate and it promotes longevity and well-being, as the inhabitants of the village are famous for their longevity.Pitsidia is a quiet village, with a long tradition of hospitality. The spotlessly clean accommodation units, the taverns with their traditional cuisine, the cafes with their aroma of Greek coffee, as well as the cosmopolitan ambiance of the area during the summer months, warranty a memorable stay to all visitors. Visitors are always welcomed at Pitsidia.For more information about Pitsidia, you are invited to visit , or call, the offices of the Community Enterprise of Pitsidia (tel:+30-2892-45340/45720). Pitsidia Pitsidia: Kommo Beach Pitsidia The surrounding landscape is of exceptional natural beauty with archaeological and historical sites which attract a large number of tourists each year. Within the Pitsidia community, 4 km to the southwest, lies the renowned resort of Matala. At a distance of 1500 m. lies the long sandy beach of Kommos and the antiquities of Kommos. Pitsidia Pitsidia Also, the village of Pitsidia can be the starting point for outing and excursions to the archaeological sites in the broader area. Some of the most interesting sites are the ancient mansion of Pitsidia, the archaeological sites of Laggou, Phaistos, Agia Triada and Gortys, the monastery of Odigitria, the gorge of "Agiofarago".
Life revolves around the square where you can enjoy the company of local people who always make you feel welcome. Sivas has a special feel about it, which is out of the fact that many people return year after year.
Near the village the archaeologists unearthed circular tombs of the pre-palace period (2600-2000 B.C.). In 1958 a full collection of early Hellenistic coins were found. However, looters stole most of these and only 36 coins were found and are currently on display at the Archaeological Museum of Iraklion.In the middle by the village the meanwhile completely asphalted road leads up to the militaryful Odigitria Monastery, highly above in the mountains.During summer months the village square in front of the church, takes centre stage of daily life. Here you will find some Kafenia (Cafés), the butcher, a small supermarket, herb and handcraft shops, a pottery and also a silversmith. While the children are swinging and sliding on the playground in the shade of the large trees, you can find everything for the daily need in the small shops around the place.
The small village of Agios Ioannis is one of the three villages that constitute the community of Kamilari. The village of Agios Ioannis is a very calm one, built at the foot of Phaistos hill, which was the second biggest center of the Minoan civilization in Crete, after Knossos.
The first known reference to the village was in 1303, then the village was regularly mentioned in official documents, census, etc. The village name was adapted to the language of various invaders: Agios Janus Meligha, Giovani Meglia, Agios Ioannis Melika - this "Melika" only applies to this village and identifies it. The name of the village Agios Ioannis may also come from Agios Ioannis o Xenos, a man from Sivas, who apparently had built most of the churches of the area, and later became a saint.
The area was quite rich in water, so it was a place where people who had fields could cultivate until summer. There were systems of small channels with small "dams" to gather and keep the water as long as possible. Even rice was cultivated in the area. At this time, the "Geropotamos", the river that runs between Phaistos hill and Tymbaki
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Mires road had water all year long. At the foot of the hill of Phaistos is the Gerontomylos, a traditional local watermill.
The houses of the community are built on the ruins of an ancient city. Today the village has about 60 inhabitants. There are three popular old churches that belong to the village of Agios Ioannis.Extensive sandy beaches in the area invite you for a swim, Kommos beach (4,5 km) with its Minoan excavations or Kalamaki beach (5 km).
The Minoan tholos tomb at Kamilari was discovered 3 km west of Phaistos, on the hill of Grigori Korfi, about 80 m high. It was built on the north side of the hill, in a spot with a panoramic view of the Asterousia Mountains, Psiloritis and the Messara Plain.
The tomb was discovered in the summer of 1959 following the excavations by Italian professor Doro Levi, who dated it to circa 2000 BC, detailing its historical phases on the basis of the cult and funerary finds. The tomb was used at different times, in 1800 BC, 1700 BC and 1500 BC - this last is the date of most of the offerings found during the excavation.
The Kamilari tomb was half underground, built in the usual tholos tomb method, of stones of varying sizes and mud. It is quite large, 2.15m high, with circular walls 1.75m thick and an outer perimeter measuring 33.8m. The entrance to the tomb faces east and was sealed with a large slab measuring 1.15 x 1.05m.
The tomb consisted of five smaller rooms with an inner courtyard which was located outside the tomb. The tomb had a wooden roof set on a base.
kamilari dancersThe tomb contained significant finds now housed in Heraklion Archaeological Museum. They include a clay figurine of worshippers and a statuette of four dancers in a circle, resembling a modern Cretan dance, now known as the “Kamilari Dancers”.
Cretan funerary customs, as indicated by the excavation finds, were linked to the worship and honouring of the illustrious dead. The tholos tombs of the Minoan period were grand, imposing buildings, constructed with great care in a particular style of architecture, demonstrating the social organisation of the time.
The care of the dead in Crete did not include only the standard rituals on the burial day, but also lasted for a considerable time afterwards, with memorial services, funerary repasts and offerings to the dead. The offerings and grave goods which the Cretans buried with the body provide historians with much important information on dead person’s status.
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