Kastelli, Minoa – Pediada

Kastelli Pediados (officially Kastellion) is a town located in the Municipality of Minoa Pediada, Heraklion regional unit, Crete, Greece. It sits at an altitude of 340 meters in the central part of the island, approximately 37 kilometers southeast of Heraklion city. Kastelli is the historical seat of the municipality and was also the capital of the former Pediada Province.

Kastelli is a regional center, hosting various administrative and public services, including a health center, citizen service center (KEP), post office, courthouse, police station, veterinary clinic, agricultural development office, and forestry office. The town also has a primary school, kindergarten, high school, and lyceum (upper secondary school).

The main occupation of the residents is agriculture, but other professions are also represented in the town. Kastelli is known for its cultural events, particularly the “Giorti tou Xenitemenou” (Festival of the Emigrant) held in August, which features concerts, folk music, exhibitions, and theatrical performances. The town also holds a Carnival celebration on the last Sunday of Carnival.

History

The area of Kastelli has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with archaeological findings dating back to the Neolithic period. A Hellenistic settlement in the area was likely destroyed around 220 BC. Remains from the Byzantine and Venetian periods have also been excavated. The town is named after a Venetian castle (“castello” in Italian) that once stood on the hill where the current high school is located.

Kastelli is mentioned in the 1583 census of Castrophylacas under the name “Pediada Proprio” with 543 inhabitants.

Landmarks

• Archaeological Site: The archaeological site of Kastelli contains remains of the Minoan, Hellenistic, Byzantine, and Venetian settlements.
• Church of Afendi Christos: A 14th-century Byzantine church with frescoes.
• Monastery of Timios Prodromos Kallergis: A small men’s monastery.
• Other Churches: The town has several other churches, including a central church dedicated to Saint Anthony (the patron saint of the town) and Saints Constantine and Helen.

Surrounding Villages

The municipal unit of Kastelli includes the following villages:

• Diavaide: Located at an altitude of 355 meters. It had 180 inhabitants in 1971. The village has a church dedicated to the Annunciation of the Theotokos.
• Kardouliano: Located at an altitude of 330 meters. It had 143 inhabitants in 1961. The village has an old church of Saint John with remnants of frescoes.
• Lagos: A small village with traditional architecture. There are efforts to restore and preserve the village as a traditional settlement.

Kastelli Airport

Kastelli is perhaps best known today for its military airport, located southwest of the town. Built in the early years of World War II, it played a significant role in German operations in North Africa. After the war, the airport housed a unit of the Hellenic Air Force.

Village Key Points

• Historical References:
  • 1583 census of Castrophylacas as “Pediada Proprio” with 543 inhabitants.
• Location: Municipality of Minoa Pediada, Heraklion regional unit, Crete, Greece. 37 km southeast of Heraklion city.
• Altitude: 340 meters
• Historical Significance: Continuous habitation since prehistoric times, Venetian castle, World War II airfield.
• Population:

• Current Status: Active town, administrative center for the surrounding area, agricultural activity, cultural events.