Agia Foteini is built at an altitude of 500 meters, approximately 33 kilometers southeast of the city of Rethymno. It was first inhabited in the 1950s and was officially recognized as a settlement in 1961. Until 1997, it was a settlement within the community of Apostoloi in the province of Amari. Since 2011, following the new administrative restructuring of the Kallikratis plan, it belongs to the municipality of Amari as a settlement of the community of Apostoloi in the municipal unit of Sivritos.
Historical References
Agia Foteini’s history, while relatively recent compared to other villages in the region, is intertwined with the ancient past of the area. The village is situated on a part of the ancient city of Syvritos, which flourished during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Excavations in and around Agia Foteini have unearthed significant archaeological findings from these eras, providing insights into the area’s rich history. The modern village of Agia Foteini was established in the 1950s. While the exact reasons for its founding remain undocumented, it is likely linked to population shifts and the need for new settlements in the post-World War II era. Initially part of the community of Apostoloi, Agia Foteini gained prominence with the implementation of the Kapodistrias plan in 1997, becoming the seat of the newly formed Municipality of Sivritos. With the Kallikratis reform in 2011, it retained its administrative role as the seat of the merged Municipality of Amari.
Location and Dimensions
Agia Foteini enjoys a scenic location in the Amari Valley, nestled amidst rolling hills and fertile plains. Situated at an altitude of 500 meters, it offers a pleasant climate and picturesque views. Its proximity to the village of Apostoloi, less than a kilometer away, fosters a sense of community and shared resources. The village itself is relatively small in size, reflecting its recent establishment and primarily administrative function. However, its strategic location at the crossroads of several major routes and its position within the broader Amari landscape contribute to its significance.
Historical Significance
The village’s connection to the ancient city provides a tangible link to the region’s rich past, highlighting the continuity of human habitation and cultural development in the area. As the seat of the Municipality of Amari, Agia Foteini plays a crucial role in the local governance and administration of the region. The village’s location at the watershed between the rivers Stavromana and Amarianos (Platys) also underscores its importance in the region’s hydrological network.
Population Data Over the Years
Census Year |
Population |
|---|---|
1961 |
12 |
1971 |
36 |
1981 |
47 |
1991 |
54 |
2001 |
– |
2011 |
90 |
Current Status
Public services operate in Agia Foteini, such as the Amari Town Hall, KEP (Citizen Service Center), and Health Center, as well as small shops, supermarkets, and taverns with traditional food. While its primary function is administrative, Agia Foteini also benefits from its proximity to historical and natural attractions, including the archaeological site of Sybritos and the scenic Amari Valley. This potential for tourism, combined with its role as a local service center, positions Agia Foteini for continued growth and development in the years to come.
Village Key Points
- Historical References: Established in the 1950s on part of ancient Syvritos.
- Location: Western vicinity of Apostoloi village, 33 km southeast of Rethymno, altitude of 500 meters
- Historical Significance: Built on the site of ancient Syvritos, excavations have revealed findings from the Hellenistic and Roman periods
- Population data over the years: See the table above
- Current Status: Seat of the Municipality of Amari, with public services and some commercial activity.
Access
Agia Foteini is 19.5 kilometers away from the town Rethymno and 2.5 kilometers away from Meronas.
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