Galipe, Chersonissos

Galipe is a small village located in the Municipality of Chersonisos, in the Heraklion regional unit, on the island of Crete, Greece.

Geography

Galipe sits at an altitude of 280 meters above sea level. It lies approximately 21 kilometers southeast of Heraklion, the island’s capital. The village is situated in a semi-mountainous area, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, characteristic of the rural Cretan landscape.

History

The earliest documented mention of Galipe appears in a 1299 treaty between Venice and Alexios Kallergis, where it is recorded as a fiefdom belonging to Jano Michael. However, the village’s history likely extends further back, as suggested by its name, which is possibly of Arabic origin. This indicates that Galipe may have existed before the second Byzantine period.

A document from the Ducal Archive of Chandax (present-day Heraklion) in 1368 mentions Galipe as a fiefdom of Petro Zampani. The village is also mentioned in 1577 by Fr. Barozzi, and in 1583 by Kastrofylakas, who recorded a population of 295 inhabitants. The 1881 census records Galipe within the Municipality of Episkopi, with a mixed population of 123 Christians and 128 Muslims. By 1928, Galipe had become the seat of its own rural municipality.

Areas of Interest

Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary

The village’s main church, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, dates back to the 16th century. Inside, there is a notable Venetian tomb monument (an arcosolium, a type of arched tomb) with intricate carvings in stone. The carvings depict various Venetian coats of arms, including the winged Lion of St. Mark, a symbol of the Venetian Republic. The church celebrates its feast day on August 15th with a festival and traditional Cretan music and dancing.

Old Church of Agios Nikolaos

This church features a carved crown on its lintel, dating back to the 15th century.

The Village Fountain

A traditional stone fountain, adorned with four small lion sculptures, is located in the center of the village. It provides a source of cool, refreshing water for residents and visitors.

Economy

Galipe’s economy is primarily based on agriculture. The main crops are grapes (primarily for raisin production and, to a lesser extent, winemaking) and olives for the production of olive oil.

Culture and Traditions

• The traditional August 15th festival at the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is an important cultural event for the village.
• The village’s traditional architecture, with its narrow, stone-paved streets and old houses with flower-filled courtyards, contributes to its cultural character.

Family and Social Life

• The small size of Galipe fosters a close-knit community where residents likely maintain strong social bonds.
• Traditional cafes in the village provide spaces for residents to socialize and visitors to experience local hospitality.

Settlement: Key Points

• Historical References: First documented mention in 1299.
• Location: Heraklion regional unit, Crete, Greece. Altitude: 280 meters.
• Historical Significance: Likely predates the second Byzantine period, based on its name. Exhibits influences from Venetian and Ottoman periods.
• Population Data:

References

• https://el.wikipedia.org/wiki/%CE%93%CE%AC%CE%BB%CE%B9%CF%80%CE%B5_%CE%97%CF%81%CE%B1%CE%BA%CE%BB%CE%B5%CE%AF%CE%BF%CF%85