Kato Vatheia, Chersonissos

Kato Vatheia is a village and the seat of the municipality of Kato Vatheia in the Heraklion Regional Unit, Crete, Greece. It is part of the Gouves municipal unit in the Municipality of Hersonissos. The village is located in the valley of the Vatheianos River at an altitude of 35 meters, approximately 15 kilometers from the city of Heraklion.

Etymology

The first recorded mention of Kato Vatheia is found in contracts from 1271, where it is referred to as Cato Vathie. In a contract from 1279, it is mentioned as Katovathia. The name “Kato Vatheia” translates to “Lower Vatheia,” distinguishing it from the village of Epano Vatheia (“Upper Vatheia”) located further upstream.

History

Early History

The area around Kato Vatheia has been inhabited since ancient times. A carved tomb dating back to the Late Minoan period was discovered in the village at a site called Artsa. Two larnakes (terracotta coffins) were found with skeletons in their original positions, indicating that the dead were placed inside the sarcophagi with their legs bent. In 1958, excavations were carried out in an archaic Greek tomb dating back to the beginning of the 7th century BC. The burial had been done in a pithos (large storage jar) with a neck decorated with three sphinxes, their heads adorned with intricate hairstyles.

Venetian and Ottoman Periods

During the Venetian period (1204-1669), Kato Vatheia was a small agricultural settlement. The village is mentioned in Venetian documents from 1583 under the name Vathia Cato. In the more recent years, residents from Kato Vatheia, along with others, founded the settlement of Kokkini Hani.

Modern History

In 1881, Kato Vatheia was incorporated into the municipality of Episkopi. In 1928, it was placed under the community of Elia. From 1940 onwards, it became a separate community. With the Kapodistrias plan, Kato Vatheia was incorporated into the Municipality of Gouves. Today, it is part of the Municipality of Hersonissos.

Economy

The inhabitants of Kato Vatheia are primarily engaged in olive cultivation and viticulture. The fertile valley of the Vatheianos River provides favorable conditions for agriculture.

Points of Interest

• Porofarago Gorge: A scenic gorge located near the village, offering opportunities for hiking and nature exploration.
• Church of Agia Aikaterini: The old church of Agia Aikaterini (Saint Catherine) is located in the village cemetery.
• Church of the Metamorphosis of the Savior: A noteworthy church in the village.
• Church of Zoodochos Pigi: A newer church in the village.

Settlement: Key Points

• Historical References: First mentioned in 1271 as Cato Vathie.
• Location: Valley of the Vatheianos River, 15 km from Heraklion.
• Historical Significance: Archaeological finds from the Late Minoan period and the Archaic period.
• Population Data:

References

• Wikipedia