Mochos is a village located in the municipality of Hersonissos on the island of Crete, Greece. It sits at an altitude of 400 meters at the foot of Mount Kefala Mochou, amidst fertile plains rich in olive groves and vineyards. The village is approximately 45.8 kilometers from Heraklion, the capital of Crete.
Economy and Amenities
The primary economic activities in Mochos are olive cultivation and viticulture, with olive oil being the cornerstone of the village’s economy. Mochos offers a range of amenities including a post office, a kindergarten, a primary school, a high school, and a rural health center. The village also has a football team that competes in the Cretan group of the second EPSH category.
Cultural and Religious Sites
Mochos boasts several notable churches, including the dual-nave church of the Annunciation and Saint Paraskevi located in the village square, as well as the dual-nave churches of Saint George and Saint Savvas, and the Archangel Michael. The wider Mochos area is home to around 10 chapels. The village square, a spacious and paved area lined with trees, hosts a vibrant Cretan festival on August 15th, featuring traditional Cretan dances and attracting numerous visitors, both local and foreign. On the same day, an exhibition of handicrafts, woven fabrics, embroidery, and knitwear takes place in a hall of the municipal department, which has been transformed into a traditional Cretan house.
Olof Palme Connection
The village of Mochos holds a special connection to the late Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme, a socialist leader who developed a deep fondness for the area. Introduced to Mochos through the then-community president Theophilos Souranakis, Palme became a regular visitor, staying at the same hotel each year and forging lasting friendships in Stalida and Mochos. In September 1985, Palme was declared an honorary citizen of Mochos. Tragically, he was assassinated in February 1986. The local community mourned his death with a three-day period of mourning and observed all funeral rites and customs. At his funeral in Stockholm, the then-community president Theophilos Souranakis presented an olive tree as a symbol of peace. This olive tree still stands in the Stockholm Botanical Garden with an inscription that reads “Gift from the residents of Mochos to Olof Palme.”
Administrative and Population Data
Mochos was officially recognized as a settlement in 1925 and designated as the seat of the newly established community of the same name. Under the Kallikratis plan and its subsequent amendment Kleisthenes I, it constitutes a community within the municipal unit of Malia in the municipality of Hersonissos. The 2011 census recorded a population of 825 residents in Mochos.
Population data over the years:
Year |
Population |
|---|---|
1951 |
1,804 |
1961 |
1,716 |
1971 |
1,504 |
1981 |
1,422 |
1991 |
1,217 |
2001 |
1,155 |
2011 |
825 |
Chersonissos
Chersonissos is a town and a former municipality in the Heraklion regional unit, Crete, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform, it is part of the municipality Hersonissos, of which it is the seat and a municipal unit. The municipal unit has an area of 271.587 km2 (104.861 sq mi).
Tourism
Chersonissos is a popular tourist destination, known for its vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, and water sports activities. It attracts a large number of visitors, particularly during the summer months. The town offers a wide range of accommodations, restaurants, bars, and shops catering to tourists.
Village Key Points – Mochos
- Historical References: Mochos is first mentioned in Venetian records in 1387 under the name Mogho.
- Location: Situated in the municipality of Hersonissos, Crete, Greece, at the foot of Mount Kefala Mochou.
- Historical Significance: The village has a long history dating back to the Venetian era. It gained international recognition due to its association with Olof Palme.
- Population data over the years: Refer to the table provided above.
- Current Status: Mochos remains a vibrant village with a strong agricultural base and a growing tourism sector. It continues to honor its connection to Olof Palme and preserve its cultural heritage.
References
Access
Mochos is 16.8 kilometers away from the town Neapoli and 4.3 kilometers away from Malia
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