Profitis Ilias, Heraklion

Profitis Ilias (Greek: Προφήτης Ηλίας), previously known as Kanli Kastelli, is a village and the seat of the homonymous community in the Municipality of Heraklion on the island of Crete, Greece. It is located at the northwestern foot of the Rokka hill, approximately 18 kilometers from the city of Heraklion. The village is known for its agricultural production, particularly grapes, raisins, olive oil, and wine.

Historical Overview

Ancient Times: Archaeological research indicates that the Rokka hill was home to the acropolis of the ancient city of Lykastos, mentioned in Homer’s works.

Byzantine Era: Following the Byzantine reconquest of Crete in 961 AD, Nikephoros Phokas demolished the existing city of Chandax (present-day Heraklion) and built a formidable fortress on the Rokka hill, naming it Temenos. This fortress played a pivotal role in the region’s defense during the Byzantine period.

Venetian Rule: The Venetians recognized the strategic importance of the fortress, referring to it as “oppidum fortissimum” (the strongest town) and naming the surrounding area the “province of Temenos.” During this time, Kanli Kastelli served as a “vourgos,” a settlement for the “vilani” (farmers working on the estates of large feudal landowners in the region). The Castello Temene was granted as a fief to prominent families like the Koresi, Cornaro, and Querini. During the Revolt of the Cretan Madonnas, the first Duke of Crete, Giacomo Tiepolo, sought refuge in the fortress, regrouped his forces, and launched a counterattack against Sanudo, the Duke of Naxos. The Venetians further fortified the fortress, undertaking numerous repairs and improvements.

Ottoman Occupation: In 1669, the Ottomans conquered Crete, and the fortress was granted to Andreas Barozzi, the betrayer of Chandax, through a sultanic firman. It was renamed “Kanli Kastelli,” meaning “Bloody Fortress,” in remembrance of the humiliating defeat the Ottomans suffered at the hands of the Venetian Cretans in 1647.

Modern Era: The village actively participated in all of Crete’s battles, including the National Resistance. In 1955, its name was changed from Kanli Kastelli to Profitis Ilias, in honor of the church dedicated to the Prophet Elijah. Profitis Ilias is also the birthplace of the current Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, Theodoros II.

Administrative Information

Profitis Ilias was officially recognized as a settlement in 1925 under its former name, Kalni Kastelli. In 1955, it was renamed Profitis Ilias. From 1994 to 2010, it served as the seat of the Temenos municipality. Currently, it is a community within the municipal unit of Temenos in the Municipality of Heraklion.

Contemporary Life

Today, Profitis Ilias is a vibrant community with a population of 1,320 residents (as of 2021). It offers essential amenities such as a Citizens’ Service Centre (KEP), a police station, schools, a medical clinic, and a reliable water supply from the Megali Fountana spring. The village’s agricultural production, particularly grapes, raisins, olive oil, and wine, contributes to its economic vitality.

Settlement: Key Points

• Historical References: The village’s history dates back to ancient times, with evidence suggesting the presence of the acropolis of the ancient city of Lykastos on the Rokka hill.
• Location: Situated in the Municipality of Heraklion, Crete, Greece, at the base of the Rokka hill.
• Historical Significance: The village played a crucial role throughout Crete’s history, serving as a strategic fortress during the Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman periods.
• Population Data:

• Current Status: A thriving village with essential amenities like a Citizens’ Service Centre (KEP), police station, schools, a medical clinic, and a water supply from the Megali Fountana spring. The village also boasts several churches and chapels, some dating back to the Byzantine era.