Gramvousa, Kissamos

Gramvousa is a village located in the Kissamos municipality of the Chania regional unit in northwestern Crete. It sits in a green valley at an altitude of 180 meters, approximately 8 kilometers west-southwest of Kissamos town and 47 kilometers west of Chania.

While the name Gramvousa is often associated with the small islands off the coast (Agria Gramvousa and Imeri Gramvousa), the village of Gramvousa offers a tranquil setting on the mainland with a rich history and beautiful surroundings.

Historical Overview

The area around Gramvousa has been inhabited since ancient times, with evidence of Minoan and Hellenistic settlements. During the Venetian period, a fortress was built on Imeri Gramvousa to protect the region from pirates and Ottoman attacks. The village itself was historically known as “Lardas.” This name is believed to derive from the family name “Lardos,” suggesting a possible connection to the founders or prominent residents of the village.

After the union of Crete with Greece in 1913, Lardas was officially recognized as a settlement in 1925. In 1940, the village was renamed Gramvousa, aligning it with the name of the nearby islands and reflecting its historical and geographical connection to them.

Population Data

Village Key Points

• Historical References: Historically known as Lardas. The area has a long history, with evidence of settlements dating back to the Minoan period.
• Location: Chania regional unit, Crete, Greece. 8 km west-southwest of Kissamos town.
• Altitude: 180 meters above sea level.
• Historical Significance: The village and surrounding area have been shaped by Venetian and Ottoman influences.
• Current Status: A quiet village with a connection to the historical Gramvousa islands.