Askoi, Minoa – Pediada

Askoi is a village and the seat of its respective community within the Minoa Pediada Municipality in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It was previously part of the Pediada Province in the Heraklion Prefecture.

Location

The village is situated on the western slopes of the Lasithi Mountains, a short distance north of the village of Xidas. It is approximately 10 kilometers northeast of Kastelli via Lyttos, nestled in an area of exceptional natural beauty. Askoi marks the entrance to the Askiano Gorge, which is relatively inaccessible due to dense vegetation. A short distance northeast of the village, on the summit of Amigdalokefalo Hill, lies the ruins of a large building from the Peak Sanctuary.

Amenities & Landmarks

Askoi features a primary school and the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior.

The Settlement of Mpitzarianos

The traditional settlement of Mpitzarianos (also known as Pigi) is 3 kilometers north of Kastelli and has a population of 60. Its primary product is olive oil. A traditional feast takes place on December 4th, the feast of Saint Barbara.

Population Data

Historical Context

Near the village, on a steep cliff, a clay figurine dating back to the Middle Minoan period was accidentally discovered. The remains of a large building, believed to be a Peak Sanctuary, are found on the top of Amigdalokefalo Hill, northeast of the village.

In 1383, Askoi was a fiefdom of Michael Quirino. During the Venetian occupation, Askoi was a significant settlement, mentioned in the Kastrofylakas (K94) as “Ascus” with 331 inhabitants in 1583. It is also referenced in the province of Pediada in 1577 by Francesco Barozzi as “Ascus” and by Francesco Basilicata (Monuments of Cretan History) as “Ascus” in 1630. In the Egyptian census of 1834, it is listed as “Askus” with 20 Christian and 2 Turkish families. In 1881, it was recorded as “Askoi” in the municipality of Kastelli, with 228 Christian inhabitants. In 1900, it remained in the same municipality with 283 Christian inhabitants. In 1920, it became a separate community with 378 inhabitants.

Administrative Status

The Community of Askoi is part of the Minoa Pediada Municipality in the Heraklion regional unit of Crete. It was established in 1926 when the settlement of Askoi was detached from the Community of Xidas and designated as the seat of the new community. The community is classified as a semi-mountainous rural settlement, with an area of 6.226 square kilometers (2011).

Including only its seat, it has 201 inhabitants (2021 census).

Village Key Points

• Historical References: Mentioned as early as 1383, with significant population during the Venetian era.
• Location: Western slopes of the Lasithi Mountains, near the Askiano Gorge.
• Dimensions: The community covers an area of 6.226 square kilometers.
• Historical Significance: Evidence of Middle Minoan settlement and a Peak Sanctuary.
• Population data over the years: See table above
• Current Status: A small village with a primary school and a church, primarily focused on olive oil production.