Agies Paraskies, Archanes – Asterousia

Agies Paraskies is a village situated on a hillside with scenic views in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. The village belongs to the Archanes-Asterousia municipality and is part of the Nikos Kazantzakis municipal unit. The village’s name, which translates to “Saint Paraskevis,” stems from the numerous churches in the area dedicated to this saint.

Location and Key Features

The village is built at an altitude of 360 meters and is located along the road leading to Kastelli Pediados. Agriculture, particularly vineyards, raisins, and olive cultivation, is the primary occupation of the residents. The village features a primary school and a regional medical clinic.

Historical Context

Records from the late 16th century refer to the village as Epano Agies Paraskies (Upper Saint Paraskevis) with 171 inhabitants and Kato Agies Paraskies (Lower Saint Paraskevis) with 124 inhabitants. Its proximity to the historic Agarathos Monastery is believed to have significantly influenced the intellectual development of the village’s residents.

Points of Interest

• Ali Efenti Fountain: A notable landmark in the village is the Ali Efenti Fountain, constructed in 1728. Located to the west of the village, along the main road and near the church of Agios Nektarios, the fountain bears an inscription in Arabic script stating: “Ali Efentis donated it with his heart for passers-by to drink, in memory of Chanum Luchuna.” Chatzi Ali Efentis was a resident of Megalo Kastro (Heraklion) and a high-ranking financial clerk in the city.
• Byzantine Jewelry Hoard: In the broader vicinity of Agies Paraskies, at the location of Porteles, the largest hoard of Byzantine jewelry was discovered. These well-preserved gold hyperpyra coins from the reign of Nikephoros Phokas are currently housed in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
• Kelia Settlement: Agies Paraskies is one of the largest villages in the Archanes-Asterousia municipality. The smaller settlement of Kelia falls under its local community. Kelia, situated at an altitude of 360 meters and 21 kilometers from Heraklion, had a population of 81 according to the 2011 census. Following the population exchange between Greece and Turkey in 1923, the village was inhabited by refugees from Asia Minor.
• Natural Access: From the Kolomodi location, one can access the cluster of gorges of Astrakoi and Kunavi, eventually leading to the Karteros Gorge.

Village Key Points

• Historical References: The village is mentioned in records from the late 16th century as Epano Agies Paraskies and Kato Agies Paraskies.
• Location: Situated on a hillside in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece.
• Population Data Over the Years:
  • 1991: 922 (1,014)
  • 2001: 953 (1,022)
  • 2011: 805 (886)
  • 2021: 752
• Current Status: A village with a population of 752, primarily engaged in agriculture.