Aktounta, Agios Vassilios

Aktounta (Ακτούντα) is a mountainous village located in the Amari Valley on the eastern slopes of Mount Siderotas in the Rethymno regional unit in Crete, Greece.

Location

It is part of the Community of Ardaktos in the municipality of Agios Vasileios. Aktounta is situated at an altitude of 640 meters [1, 2, 3]. The village is located approximately 37 kilometers south of Rethymno and 2 kilometers from the main road connecting Rethymno to Agia Galini [2].

History

The village’s name is believed to be derived from the tile-like “kounta” (κουτούντα) that were constructed there due to the suitable silvery soil (λεπίδα) found in the area. These tiles were primarily used for making pithoi (large storage jars) and drinking vessels for animals [2]. Another theory suggests that the name originates from the coastal settlement “Akti” (Ακτί) where the inhabitants used to reside before moving to higher ground due to raids by conquerors or passers-by [2].

Aktounta has a rich history dating back to at least the Venetian period. Venetian censuses from 1577 and 1583 mention the village as Katounta with 133 inhabitants, and Triyiodi with 31 inhabitants. Ottoman censuses from 1659 list Katounta as having 13 houses. In 1834, Aktounta is recorded as part of the Municipality of Agios Pnevmatos, inhabited solely by Christians. This remains the case in 1881 when the village had 173 inhabitants. In 1901, Aktounta belonged to the Municipality of Lampi, and in 1911, to the rural municipality of Ardaktos. By 1928, it became the seat of a community with 204 inhabitants, reaching its peak population of 258 in 1951 [2].

Notable Churches

Aktounta has several notable churches:

• Church of the Annunciation (Ευαγγελισμός της Θεοτόκου): The village’s main church, dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. It is a basilica-style church with wood-carved portable icons from 1887, created by local icon painters Emmanouil and Papa-Theodoros Papadakis [1, 2].
• Church of the Assumption (Κοίμηση της Θεοτόκου): Considered the oldest church in the village, estimated to have been built around 1550 during the end of the Venetian period. Its Byzantine frescoes have been destroyed, but two icons from the 16th century remain [2].
• Church of Agia Paraskevi (Αγία Παρασκευή): A small, old, semi-underground church located in the center of the village. Its icons were painted in 1912 by Papa-Theodoros. Until 1930, it was the site of the village cemetery [2].
• Chapel of Christ the Savior (Σωτήρα Χριστού): Situated outside the village, offering panoramic views. According to local tradition, it was moved from its original location on the top of “Kentas” mountain after an accident during a celebration [2].

Economy

Historically, the village’s economy was based on agriculture and livestock farming. The annual production of olive oil amounted to 26 tons, and wine production reached 8 tons. The village was also known for producing high-quality “mournoraki,” a type of raki (grape-based alcoholic beverage) used for medicinal purposes [2].

Settlement: Key Points

• Historical References: Venetian censuses (1577, 1583), Ottoman censuses (1659, 1834, 1881)

• Location: Eastern slopes of Mount Siderotas, Amari Valley, Rethymno regional unit, Crete, Greece [1, 2].

• Historical Significance: Historically a significant agricultural and livestock farming village, known for tile-making and “mournoraki” production [2].

• Population Data:

  Year	Population	Notes
  1583	133	Venetian census [2]
  1881	173	Ottoman census [2]
  1900	224	[2]
  1928	222	[2]
  1940	246	[2]
  1951	258	[2]
  1961	209	[2]
  1971	118	[2]
  1981	90	[2]
  1991	99	[2]
  2001	70	[2]
  2011	74	[2]
  2021	57	[2]

• Current Status: A small village with a declining population, likely still engaged in traditional agricultural practices [1, 2].

References

1. Wikipedia
2. RethNea.gr
3. Ellinismos.gr