Fodele, Malevizi

Fodele is a village in the Malevizi municipality on the island of Crete, Greece. It’s located about 28 kilometers west of Heraklion and 3 kilometers from the Cretan Sea. The village is in a valley filled with citrus trees and is known for its oranges. Most people in Fodele work in agriculture, with some also raising livestock.

Historical Context

Archaeological findings show the ancient city of Pantomatrion once existed where Fodele is now. The river that runs through the village is still called Pantomantris. There’s also evidence of an older village, possibly from the Byzantine era, in the areas of Skotini, Loumpinies, or Archontika, based on old building ruins.

The current church of the Presentation of the Theotokos was built on the site of an older church from the 11th or 12th century. The new church was built in the eastern part of the village and kept the same basilica-style layout as the original.

Fodele got its name from the last name of the first person who settled there. This name, Fodele, appears in Cretan records from the 13th century.

The village is linked to the famous painter Domenikos Theotokopoulos (El Greco). Some people believe he was born there, while others think it was his father’s birthplace. There’s a museum dedicated to El Greco in Fodele.

Points of Interest

• Churches: Agios Georgios and the Dormition of the Theotokos
• Chapels: Annunciation, All Saints, Agios Georgios, Agios Ioannis, and the Presentation of the Theotokos
• Byzantine church of the Presentation of the Theotokos: Built in the 11th century on the site of an older church. It has a plaque with a mythical beast on it.
• El Greco Museum: Showcases replicas of El Greco’s works.
• Natural surroundings: Citrus groves and the Pantomantris River.
• Nearby mountains and coastline for outdoor activities.

Village Life

Fodele’s central square, shaded by plane trees, is a popular spot for locals and visitors. There are traditional tavernas serving Cretan food.

The village’s cultural association organizes events throughout the year, including the Orange Festival in March, which celebrates the local citrus harvest.

Population Data

The population grew in the late 19th and early 20th centuries but has declined recently, which is a common trend in rural areas of Greece.