Damasta, Malevizi

Damasta is a village situated in the Malevizi Municipality, within the Heraklion regional unit of Crete, Greece. It is located 27 kilometers along the main road towards Rethymno, nestled amphitheatrically on the northern slopes of the Koiti hill (729 meters) in the mountainous complex of Psiloritis. The village serves as the administrative center of its namesake municipal district within the Tylisos Municipality. The primary occupations of the residents include agriculture, livestock farming, and beekeeping. The village is known for its production of honey, livestock products, and watermelons. To the west of the village lies Kambos, a fertile area producing table grapes, raisins, and vegetables. Damasta’s water supply comes from a spring located at Platani on Vasiliki hill. The village has an active cultural association. The almost uninhabited settlement of Astrino, with 2 residents in 2001, also falls under the Damasta municipal district.

Historical Context

According to historian Nikolaos Platonas, the name “Damasta” originates from “Da Ma,” meaning Mother Earth, a pre-Greek deity.

The 1583 census by Kastrofylakas mentions Damasta with 338 inhabitants. During the Venetian era, it was under the jurisdiction of the Mylopotamos province, which continued until the early 20th century. In 1881, the village had no Turkish residents, with a population of 222 Christians.

During the Nazi occupation, the villagers actively participated in the National Resistance. As a result, Damasta was destroyed by the Germans, and 37 of its residents were executed at Keratidi. A monument with the names of those executed stands at the site.

Administrative Information

Damasta was officially recognized as a settlement in 1925 and designated the seat of its newly established community. Under the Kallikratis plan and its subsequent amendment, Damasta and Astrino together form the Damasta community, which belongs to the Gazi municipal unit within the Malevizi Municipality. The 2011 census recorded a population of 244 for Damasta.

The Damasta Community, established in 1925, includes both Damasta and Astrino. The 2011 census reported a total population of 245 for the community, with 244 in Damasta and 1 in Astrino.

Points of Interest

• Keratidi Monument: Located east of Damasta, this monument commemorates the 30 villagers executed by the Germans in 1944.
• Church of Saint Nicholas and Panagia: The oldest church in the village, built during the Venetian era, showcasing elements of Venetian architecture.
• Church of Saints George and Demetrios: The construction date is unknown, but its templon (iconostasis) dates back to 1795. It was renovated in 1894.
• Folklore Museum: Located beneath the Church of Saints George and Demetrios, this small museum was created by the local cultural association.

Village Key Points

• Historical References: Mentioned in the 1583 Kastrofylakas census
• Location: Malevizi Municipality, Heraklion regional unit, Crete, Greece, 27 kilometers from Heraklion
• Dimensions: Village
• Historical Significance: Site of executions during WWII, features Venetian-era churches
• Population data over the years:

• Current Status: The village serves as the seat of the Damasta community, with agricultural and livestock farming activities.