Koxari, Chersonissos

Koxari is a village in the municipality of Hersonissos, in the regional unit of Heraklion, Crete, Greece. It is part of the municipal unit of Gouves. The village is situated at an altitude of 180 meters and is located about 23 km from Heraklion.

Geography

Koxari is built in the green valley of the Karkanias River. The village is surrounded by olive groves, orange trees, and carob trees. The river flows through the valley, creating a wild and imposing landscape with plane trees, walnut trees, sage, and oaks.

History

The village is mentioned in the province of Pediada in 1577 by Fr. Barozzi as Coxari, by the Kastrofylakas in 1583, by Francesco Basilicata in 1630, and in the Turkish census of 1671 as Koksari, with 42 households. The name of the village comes from the Byzantine surname Koxaris. In a document of 1378, from the Ducal archive of Chandakas, Costi Coiri from Chania is mentioned. The village of Koxari was a fief of the Grego family, and part of it was given as a dowry to Ellena Gregon, who married the poet of “Fortunato” Marco Antonio Foscolo in 1618.

Near Koxari is the Monastery of Kera-Eleousa, which dates back to the 16th century. Koxari belonged to the Latin Patriarchate of Constantinople.

Points of Interest

• Church of Agios Kyrikos and Ioulitta: Located southeast of the village, this single-room, tile-roofed church was built in 1860 on a hill with a beautiful view.
• Monastery of Kera-Eleousa: Founded in 1606 on the ruins of an older temple, this Venetian monastery served as a fortified outpost. It features arrow slits and small openings in its courtyard. Built on a hill, the monastery is constructed on three different levels due to the terrain.
• Mesa Vrysi Spring: A short path leads from the village to this spring, which is a vital water source for the Koxari valley. The path follows an old aqueduct that still irrigates the village’s gardens and crops. Along the way, there are cisterns for collecting water and an old watermill for grinding grain.

Settlement: Key Points

• Historical References: Mentioned as Coxari in 1577, Koksari in 1671.
• Location: Heraklion regional unit, Crete, Greece.
• Historical Significance: Fief of the Grego family, part given as dowry to Ellena Gregon who married poet Marco Antonio Foscolo.
• Population Data:

References

• Wikipedia
• Land of Experiences