Geraki, officially known as Gerakion, is a village located in the Municipality of Minoa Pediada in the Heraklion Regional Unit of Crete, Greece. It lies on the western slopes of Mount Sarakeno (altitude 1,588 m) in the Dikti mountain range. The village is situated 48.9 kilometers from Heraklion.
Etymology
The name Geraki is believed to be derived from the first settler, Gerakis, mentioned in a document from the Ducal Archives of Chandax in 1394.
Economy
The village is known for its agricultural production, including olive oil, raisins, grapes, and cereals. It also has a strong livestock sector.
Landmarks
- Church of the Synaxis of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel: This church features frescoes with a distinctive smoky appearance.
- Church of Agios Georgios
- Church of Agia Paraskevi
Geraki Gorge
East of the village lies the Geraki Gorge, a landscape of natural beauty. In 1867, Omer Pasha led his army through this gorge to set fire to the Lasithi Plateau because the revolutionaries were guarding the entrances “Ampelos” and “Tsouli Mnima”.
Village of Armacha
Armacha is a neighboring village that belongs to the same Community as Geraki. In the 1583 census, Armacha is listed as Ermagha with 61 inhabitants, while Geraki is listed as Gerachi with 200 inhabitants. The 1881 census indicates that there were no Turkish residents in Armacha at that time.
Community of Geraki
The Community of Geraki includes both Geraki and Armacha. The 2011 census recorded a population of 254 for Geraki and 68 for Armacha, resulting in a total population of 322 for the entire Community.
Settlement: Key Points
- Historical References: First mentioned in 1394, the village appeared in the 1583 census as Gerachi.
- Location: Western slopes of Mount Sarakeno, Dikti mountain range, Crete, Greece.
- Historical Significance: The Geraki Gorge was used by Omer Pasha in 1867 to access and set fire to the Lasithi Plateau during a period of revolutionary activity.
- Population Data:
Year |
Population |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
1583 |
200 |
as Gerachi |
1881 |
293 |
Christians |
1900 |
367 |
|
1928 |
441 |
|
1940 |
492 |
|
1951 |
507 |
|
1961 |
538 |
|
1971 |
508 |
|
1981 |
486 |
|
1991 |
418 |
|
2001 |
375 |
|
2011 |
254 |
|
2021 |
254 |
- Current Status: An active village with a primary school and a cultural association called “Argastiri”.
References
Access
Geraki is 7.9 kilometers away from Arkalochori and 6.4 kilometers away from Kastelli
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