Kato Metochi, Lasithi plateau

Kato Metochi is a village in the Lasithi regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It is located within the Lasithi Plateau at an altitude of 820 meters, on the eastern slopes of Mount Afendi Christos. The village has a population of 71 residents (2021 census).

The name “Kato Metochi” translates to “Lower Hamlet.” The “Kato” (Lower) part of the name comes from its location near the lowest point of the plateau, called “Chonos,” where the plateau’s surface water drains.

History

• Venetian Period:

  • 1364: Due to frequent uprisings against Venetian rule, the Venetians decided to destroy the villages on the Lasithi Plateau and prohibit habitation.
  • 1465: The Venetians allowed the cultivation of cereals on the plateau, leading to seasonal habitation during sowing and harvest times. Temporary settlements called “metochia” (hamlets) were established, which eventually became permanent.
  • 1583: The census of Castrophylacas mentions Kato Metochi as “Mettocchio Gaidaromandra” with 89 inhabitants, making it one of the largest settlements on the plateau at that time.

• Origin of the Name “Gaidaromandra”:

  • The reason for the name “Gaidaromandra” is uncertain. It possibly served as a station for pack animals (mules and donkeys) to rest before continuing their journey to Kastelli Pediados, where grain storehouses were located during the Venetian period.

• Ottoman Period:

  • 1630: Francesco Basilicata’s census mentions the village as “Metochio Gaiduromandra.”
  • 1671: The Ottoman census records 20 “haratsia” (tax-paying households) in the village.

• 19th and 20th Centuries:

  • 1834: The Egyptian census lists Kato Metochi together with Gerontomuri (present-day Agios Charalambos) with 30 Christian families.
  • 1842: The scholar Michael Chourmouzis refers to the village as “Kato Metochi” in his work “Kritika.”
  • 1881: Kato Metochi was part of the municipality of Psychro with 146 Christian inhabitants.
  • 1920: It became the seat of a rural municipality.
  • 1925: Kato Metochi was designated as the seat of its own community.
  • 1997: With the administrative reform (Kapodistrias Plan), it became part of the Municipality of Oropedio Lasithiou.

Village Key Points

• Historical References:
  • 1583 census of Castrophylacas as “Mettocchio Gaidaromandra” with 89 inhabitants.
  • 1630 census as “Metochio Gaiduromandra.”
  • 1671 Ottoman census with 20 “haratsia.”
• Location: Lasithi Plateau, Lasithi regional unit, Crete, Greece. 52 km from Agios Nikolaos.
• Altitude: 820 meters
• Historical Significance: Originated as a Venetian “metochi” (hamlet).
• Population: