Drapanias, Kissamos

A Coastal Village with Ancient Roots

Drapanias is a village located in the Kissamos municipality of the Chania regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It sits at an average altitude of 40 meters above sea level, approximately 5 kilometers east of Kissamos town and 37 kilometers west of Chania. The village is situated near the coast of the Kissamos Bay, about 1.2 kilometers from the sea in a straight line.

Etymology

According to tradition, the village’s name, Drapanias, originates from a blacksmith workshop that once existed in the area, crafting sickles (“drapana” in Greek) for harvesting.

Historical Overview

Ancient Era: The area of Drapanias has a long history, with evidence of settlements dating back to the Minoan period. Archaeological remains of a Minoan settlement and a settlement from the Classical period have been found on the Drapanias beach. Some researchers believe that the ancient city of Mythemna, which gave its name to the municipal unit, was located there. The village itself was initially situated closer to the coast, in the area of the Minoan settlement, but residents gradually moved inland to avoid pirate raids.

Venetian and Ottoman Eras: Drapanias is mentioned in Venetian records as “Dhrapanea Apano” and “Cato” by Barozzi. In 1583, according to the “Castrofylaka” (Venetian census), Drapanea had 46 inhabitants, while Apano Drapanea and Dracodiana had 166. In 1823, the Greek revolutionary leader Emmanouil Tombazis landed in Drapanias. During the Ottoman period, according to local tradition, the Turks attempted to burn Drapanias, but Saint Nicholas hid the village from their sight, and they instead burned the neighboring village of Ravdoucha. During this period, Drapanias served as the seat of the Bishop of Kissamos, with the church of Agios Nikolaos as the cathedral.

Modern Era: Drapanias continued to develop as an agricultural village, surrounded by olive groves. In the mid-20th century, it experienced a period of growth, reaching a population of 446 in 1961. In recent decades, tourism has also become an important part of the local economy.

Population Data

Points of Interest

• Agios Nikolaos Church: The main church of the village, dedicated to Saint Nicholas. It is a two-aisled church built between 1850 and 1880. The left aisle is dedicated to the Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple. The church houses a historical bell from the 15th century and a miraculous icon of Saint Nicholas from the 14th century.
• Makry Spilio (Long Cave): A cave near the village with a small chapel dedicated to Christ at its entrance.
• Manasa Rose Shipwreck: In 2022, the Egyptian cargo ship Manasa Rose ran aground on the Drapanias beach during a storm and broke in two. The shipwreck remains on the beach.
• Other Churches: Other churches in and around Drapanias include the three-aisled church of Agios Panteleimon, Agios Dimitrios, the church of the Ascension, the church of the Dormition of the Theotokos, Metamorphosis tou Sotiros, Agios Gerasimos, Timios Stavros, and Michail Archangelos.

Village Key Points

• Historical References: Mentioned in Venetian records as early as the 16th century. Associated with the ancient city of Mythemna.
• Location: Chania regional unit, Crete, Greece. 5 km east of Kissamos town.
• Altitude: 40 meters above sea level.
• Historical Significance: Has a long history dating back to the Minoan period. Played a role in the Cretan Revolution of 1866.
• Current Status: A village with a mixed economy of agriculture and tourism.