Agioi Deka, Gortyna

Agioi Deka (Άγιοι Δέκα), meaning “Ten Saints,” is a village and the seat of the municipality of Gortyna in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It is picturesquely situated on a verdant hill overlooking the Messara Plain, and notably, it is built directly atop the remains of the ancient city of Gortyna.

Historical Significance

The village’s name commemorates the Ten Martyrs of Crete, Christian saints who were martyred in 250 AD during the persecutions of the Roman emperor Decius. A 12th-century church stands at the site of their martyrdom, a testament to their enduring legacy. The village itself is intertwined with the history of ancient Gortyna. Many of its houses are constructed using recycled materials from the ruins, and the archaeological site has yielded numerous artifacts discovered in and around Agioi Deka.

Location and Current Status

Agioi Deka is located about 44 kilometers southwest of Heraklion, on the road to Tympaki and Matala. Its strategic position between northern and southern Heraklion, coupled with its proximity to the Gortyna archaeological site, makes it a bustling hub with frequent transport links to Heraklion.

The village has a well-developed infrastructure, including a town hall, schools ranging from kindergarten to high school, a health center, a citizens’ service center (KEP), a police station, a cultural association, a sports club, and a sports field. During the summer, it also serves as a base for a fire brigade standby vehicle. The Filakeion, a small museum housing statues, inscriptions, and marble finds from ancient Gortyna, is situated in the southwestern part of the village.

Religious Significance

The village’s religious heritage is deeply ingrained in its identity. The Byzantine church of Agioi Deka, dedicated to the Ten Saints, is a central landmark. Additionally, there’s the modern church of Agios Nektarios and the chapel of Agioi Deka at Agia Limni, where the tombs of the martyrs are located within the arcades. The village’s parish encompasses numerous other chapels and rural churches, further enriching its spiritual landscape.

Settlement: Key Points

• Historical References: The village is named after the Ten Martyrs of Crete and is built on the ruins of ancient Gortyna.
• Location: Agioi Deka is situated in the municipality of Gortyna, Heraklion regional unit, Crete, overlooking the Messara Plain.
• Historical Significance: The village holds historical importance due to its association with the Ten Martyrs and its location atop the ancient city of Gortyna.
• Population Data:

• Current Status: Agioi Deka is a vibrant village serving as the administrative center of the Gortyna municipality. It boasts a range of amenities and infrastructure, attracting visitors interested in its historical and archaeological significance.

Additional Insights

• The village’s landscape is dominated by olive groves, offering a glimpse into the agricultural practices of the region.
• The Malikoutis family, renowned revolutionaries during the Greek War of Independence, hailed from Agioi Deka.
• Until 1945, the village served as the seat of the Bishopric of Gortyna and Arcadia. The bishop’s mansion, now known as “Vasiliou Melathron,” functions as a tourist guesthouse.
• The marble slab upon which the Ten Saints knelt for their beheading is preserved in a special case within the village’s Metropolitan Church. It is said to bear the imprints of their knees.