Mesochorio is a village and the seat of the community of the same name in the Municipality of Archanes-Asterousia, located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It previously belonged to the Monofatsi province. According to local tradition, the name “Mesochorio” (meaning “middle village”) originates from the fact that the inhabitants of several surrounding settlements – Pentami, Mesoskafi, Kavalaropetra, Gorgianos, Agios Konstantinos, Agios Spyridon, and Agia Paraskevi – came together and settled in the present-day village, which was situated roughly in the middle of these original settlements. Hence, they named it Mesochorio.
Historical References
Mesochorio’s historical footprint is well-documented, stretching back to at least 1279 when it was first mentioned in a contract. During the 13th century, it functioned as a fiefdom under the control of Antonius Quirinus, highlighting its role within the feudal system of the time. Later, in the late 19th century, it was incorporated into the municipality of Charakas. The 1881 census data, recording 197 Christian and 45 Turkish residents, offers a snapshot of the village’s demographic composition during the Ottoman era.
Location
Mesochorio’s location on the slopes of Mount Asfentylia, overlooking the Messara Plain, has significantly influenced its historical trajectory. Its position provided a degree of natural protection, while also offering access to fertile agricultural lands in the plain below. The village’s proximity to the Vornou Gorge further enhanced its strategic importance, serving as a gateway between the mountains and the plains.
This unique location fostered the development of a mixed economy, combining agriculture with trade and transport. The village likely served as a vital stop for travelers and merchants moving between the Messara Plain and the mountainous interior. This interaction with the wider world likely contributed to the village’s cultural and economic development over the centuries.
Population Data Over the Years
Year |
Population |
|---|---|
1900 |
348 |
1920 |
435 |
1928 |
504 |
1940 |
677 |
1951 |
743 |
1961 |
835 |
1971 |
796 |
1981 |
887 |
1991 |
780 |
2001 |
975 |
2011 |
625 |
Historical Significance
The first recorded mention of Mesochorio dates back to a contract from 1279, where it is referred to as “Messocorio.” During the 13th century, the village was a fiefdom under the control of Antonius Quirinus. Towards the end of the 19th century, it became part of the municipality of Harakas. In 1881, the population consisted of 197 Christians and 45 Turks.
Current Status
Mesochorio is the third-largest village in the northern foothills of the eastern Asterousia Mountains. It lies at the eastern exit of the Vornou Gorge, which connects it to the mountainous part of Achentrias. The village has an active residential core with an economy based on olive oil, grapes, and vegetables.
The main church in Mesochorio is dedicated to the Holy Trinity and Saint John the Theologian. The village also boasts several chapels, including those dedicated to the Archangel Michael, the Holy Cross, Saint Vlasios (located at the village entrance), and Saint Paraskevi. Visitors to Mesochorio can explore the church of Panagia, dating back to 1570, the chapel of Agios Vlasios, the chapel of Archangel Michael in Pentami, and the historic preserved building of the elementary school.
Village Key Points
- Historical References: The village is first mentioned in a 1279 contract as Messocorio. It was a fief of Antonius Quirinus in the 13th century. In 1881, it had 197 Christian and 45 Turkish residents.
- Location: Mesochorio is located on the slopes of Mount Asfentylia, overlooking the Messara Plain.
- Historical Significance: The village has a long history dating back to at least the 13th century. It was an important agricultural center in the region.
- Current Status: Mesochorio is a thriving agricultural village with a population of 625. The economy is based on olive oil, grapes, and vegetables.
Access
Mesochorio is 15.9 kilometers away from the town Arkalochori and 5.1 kilometers away from Pyrgos
There are no comments yet.