Emparos, Viannos

Emparos is a village in the Municipality of Viannos, Heraklion regional unit, Crete, Greece. It is located at an altitude of 430 meters on the southwestern slopes of Mount Dikti, surrounded by the fertile valley of the Baritis River.

The village has a population of approximately 430 residents. The main occupation is agriculture, particularly the production of olive oil. Emparos is also known for its production of dictamnus (dittany), a medicinal herb endemic to Crete.

History

During the Venetian period, Emparos was the largest village in the Pediada province. The 1583 census by Kastrophylacas records it as “Embaro” with 939 inhabitants. There are earlier references to the village, such as in documents from 1301 and 1307, where it is recorded as the fiefdom of Andreas Kornaros under the name “Lombari.” In the 17th century, Emparos was given as a dowry by the poet Markantonio Foscolo to his daughter Diana.

Landmarks

• Churches: Emparos has 18 churches and chapels within the village and its surroundings.
  • Church of Agios Georgios: The main church, with well-preserved frescoes by the painter Stamatis Fokas.
  • Other Churches: Agios Georgios, Archangel Michael, Agioi Anargyroi, the two-aisled church of Timios Stavros and Agios Nikitas, the church of Panagia (with 16th-century crowns on the lintel), Agia Triada, and the newer church of Agia Eirini.

Thomadiano

The municipal district of Emparos also includes the nearby village of Thomadiano. It is a smaller settlement with about 100 residents, situated at an altitude of 390 meters. Thomadiano is characterized by a water channel that runs through its center, creating a picturesque atmosphere. The village is surrounded by plane trees, walnut trees, and poplars. During the Ottoman period, Thomadiano was a “metochi” (hamlet) of Emparos. Its name comes from the Thomadakis family. The patron saint of Thomadiano is Agia Paraskevi.

Village Key Points

• Historical References:
  • 1301 and 1307 documents as “Lombari.”
  • 1583 census as “Embaro” with 939 inhabitants.
• Location: Municipality of Viannos, Heraklion regional unit, Crete, Greece. 51 km from Heraklion city.
• Altitude: 430 meters
• Historical Significance: Largest village in Pediada during the Venetian period.
• Population:

• Current Status: Active village with a primarily agricultural economy (olive oil and dictamnus production).

References

• emparos.com
• Wikipedia