Apoini (or Apoinio) is a village in the Municipality of Gortyna in the Heraklion regional unit, Crete. It sits at an altitude of 320 meters. The village is located approximately 18 km east of Agioi Deka (the municipal seat) and 43 km south of Heraklion.
History
Apoini first appears in historical records in the 1583 Venetian census as “Appoini” with 238 inhabitants, indicating it was a sizable settlement at that time. During the Ottoman period, it had 5 Turkish families in 1834 and 85 inhabitants in 1881.
In 1925, Apoini was officially listed as a settlement and annexed to the then community of Assimi. Under the “Kallikratis plan” for local government reform, it was incorporated into the Sokaras community, which includes Sokaras, Velouli, and Metochia Sokara. This community falls within the municipal unit of Kofina in the Municipality of Gortyna.
Present Day
Today, Apoini remains a small village within the larger Sokaras community. Its population has gradually declined over the years. The primary activity in the area is agriculture, as with many villages in this region of Crete.
Apoini is located near two sites of historical interest:
- Vakiotes: An archaeological site east of Apoini, featuring a Hellenistic/Greco-Roman acropolis with evidence of habitation from the Geometric period to the Ottoman period. It is known for its “carved” houses and tombs, and the presence of ancient wine presses.
- Velouli: A now-uninhabited settlement north of Apoini, home to the Panagia Velouliani, a Byzantine church with frescoes dating back to at least the 13th century.
Population Data
Year |
Population |
|---|---|
1583 |
238 |
1834 |
(5 Turkish families) |
1881 |
85 |
1961 |
199 |
1971 |
279 |
1981 |
261 |
1991 |
254 |
2001 |
212 |
2011 |
180 |
2021 |
133 |
Village Key Points
- Historical References: Venetian census (1583), Ottoman records (1834, 1881).
- Location: 18 km east of Agioi Deka, 43 km south of Heraklion, Crete.
- Historical Significance: A long-standing settlement in the region, dating back to at least the Venetian period. Close proximity to Vakiotes and Velouli.
- Population data over the years: See table above.
- Current Status: An active village within the Sokaras community.
Access
Apoini is 16.9 kilometers away from the town Arkalochori and 2.9 kilometers away from Asimi
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