Ligortynos, Archanes – Asterousia

Ligortynos is a village and the seat of the Ligortynos community in the Municipality of Archanes-Asterousia in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete. It is located on the northwestern side of a hill, offering a view of the Messara plain.

History

The name Ligortynos is pre-Hellenic, and archaeological finds from the Late Minoan period, now housed in the Louvre Museum, confirm the existence of a settlement in the area during that time.

The village is mentioned in a 1271 contract as “Legordine,” when it was part of the fiefdom of the Latin Patriarchate of Constantinople and rented to Iakovos Moudatsos. Venetian censuses from the late 16th century refer to the village as “Ligortino” with 193 inhabitants. During the Ottoman period, Ligortynos, along with the nearby settlements of Kefalados (“Chieffala”) and Plakiotissa, were Turkish villages.

The current inhabitants of Ligortynos are primarily descended from people who arrived from Asia Minor (Kaisareia, Pontos, Ikonio) in 1923, and a smaller group with origins in Anogia (Mylopotamos).

Economy

The village economy is mainly based on agriculture, with a focus on viticulture (grapes), olive oil production, and livestock farming. Cereals and tobacco are also cultivated. There is a cheese factory in the area. While schools have closed, a cultural association actively promotes the village’s traditional character through events, paved streets, and the restoration of monuments such as the old aqueduct.

Landmarks

• Agia Triada: Ruins of a Byzantine church with frescoes located on the south side of the village.
• Agios Charalampos: The main church of the village.

Kefalados and Plakiotissa

The Ligortynos community also includes the settlements of Kefalados and Plakiotissa:

• Kefalados: Located south of Ligortynos on a hill at an altitude of 310 meters.
• Plakiotissa: Situated 3 kilometers southwest of Ligortynos. This settlement features a dam that provides irrigation water to the surrounding area.

Village Key Points

• Historical References: Contract of 1271, Venetian censuses (late 16th century), Ottoman records (1834, 1881).
• Location: Approximately 40 km from Heraklion, in the Municipality of Archanes-Asterousia, Crete.
• Historical Significance: Pre-Hellenic origins, evidence of Late Minoan settlement, influenced by migration from Asia Minor.
• Population data over the years: 193 inhabitants (late 16th century), 481 inhabitants (2011 census), 340 inhabitants (2021 census).
• Current Status: An active village with a focus on agriculture and cultural preservation.