Panagia, Minoa – Pediada

Panagia is a village in the Municipality of Minoa Pediada, Heraklion regional unit, Crete, Greece. It is located at an altitude of 360 meters, approximately 36 kilometers southeast of Heraklion city, on the road to Emparos and Viannos. The village is 10 kilometers from Arkalochori.

The plain surrounding Panagia is traversed by the Auliotis River. The main occupation of the residents is olive cultivation, followed by livestock farming. Agricultural products include olive oil, raisins, wine, vegetables, and honey.

History

Tools dating back to the Neolithic period have been found in the village. It is believed that Panagia began to develop as a settlement during the Venetian period in the 13th century. A Venetian castle was built in the village.

Panagia likely owes its name to the Byzantine Monastery of Panagia Psomopoula. During the Ottoman period and the years of the Cretan State, Panagia was the seat of a separate municipality. The village is mentioned in Venetian and Turkish records from 1577 onwards. The 1583 census by Kastrophylacas lists it as “Panagia” with 278 inhabitants, and the 1671 Ottoman census records 87 “haratsia” (tax-paying households).

Landmarks

• Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos: The main church of the village, celebrating its feast day on August 15th with various events, including a Cretan “gleti” (feast).
• Church of Agios Dimitrios: The central church, located near the road to Emparos and Viannos.
• Church of Agios Konstantinos: A Byzantine church in the central square.
• Venetian Fountain: Located in the center of the village, it has been declared a preserved monument by the Ministry of Culture.
• Church of Agia Triada: A two-aisled Byzantine church next to the Venetian fountain.
• Papacharilaou Square: Features paved streets.
• Traditional Olive Mill: A remnant of the village’s cultural heritage, the old olive mill (“fabrica”) has been restored and is open to visitors.
• Chapels: Several chapels in the surrounding area are associated with local myths and legends, including Agios Georgios Agrimologos, Agios Nikolaos, and Agia Marina (with recently discovered frescoes).

Community

Panagia has an active cultural association and a women’s association. There is also a regional medical office in the village.

Village Key Points

• Historical References:
  • 1279 contract
  • 1374 document from the Ducal Archive of Chandax
  • 1577 Venetian census
  • 1583 census by Kastrophylacas as “Panagia” with 278 inhabitants
  • 1671 Ottoman census as “Panaya” with 97 “haratsia”
• Location: Municipality of Minoa Pediada, Heraklion regional unit, Crete, Greece. 36 km southeast of Heraklion city.
• Altitude: 360 meters
• Historical Significance: Venetian-era settlement, Byzantine monastery.
• Population:

• Current Status: Active village with a primarily agricultural economy (olive oil production).