Patsos, Amari

Historical References

Patsos’ history is deeply intertwined with the surrounding Amari region. References to the village are scattered throughout various historical records and archaeological findings. The presence of a cave sanctuary dedicated to Hermes in the nearby Saint Anthony Gorge, with artifacts dating back to the Middle Minoan period, indicates early human activity and religious practices in the area. Venetian censuses from the 16th century and later Ottoman records document the village’s existence and population during these periods. These records also highlight the shift in the village’s demographics, from a predominantly Christian population during Venetian rule to a primarily Muslim one under Ottoman control. Excavations in the Saint Anthony Gorge and other locations around Patsos have unearthed artifacts from various periods, including Minoan figurines, Roman settlements, and a Byzantine church, suggesting continuous habitation and cultural evolution throughout history.

The etymology of the name Patsos is not known, with the most likely theory attributing the name to the surname Paço or Pazo which is mentioned in documents of the Ducal Archive of Chandakas. The village is mentioned as Pazzo in 1577 by Francesco Barozzi and Pazzò by Vasilikata in 1630. In the census of Castrofylakas in 1583 it is mentioned as Pazzò, with 110 inhabitants and 773 owed corvées. During the Ottoman occupation, the village had a Muslim population. In the Egyptian census of 1834, 20 Turkish families lived in the village. In the 1881 census, the village had 287 Turkish and 14 Christian inhabitants and belonged to the municipality of Meronas. In 1900 the village belonged to the same municipality.

In 1920 Patsos belonged to the community of Pantanassa, but in 1930 it was designated the seat of the community of Patsos, which belonged to the province of Amari. In 1997 the community of Patsos was abolished and the settlement was annexed to the municipality of Sivritos, while in 2010, with the Kallikratis program, Patsos was annexed to the municipality of Amari.

Location and Dimensions

Patsos is situated in the picturesque Amari Valley, nestled at the foot of Mount Soros. It lies approximately 20 kilometers south of Rethymno, offering a tranquil retreat while remaining accessible to the region’s urban center. The village is characterized by its relatively small size and intimate atmosphere. The surrounding landscape, however, is expansive, encompassing the Patsos Gorge, fertile agricultural lands, and rolling hills.

Historical Significance

Patsos’ historical significance lies in its continuous habitation and cultural layering, evident in the archaeological discoveries and historical references. The presence of the cave sanctuary of Hermes highlights the area’s importance as a place of worship and pilgrimage in ancient times. The ruins of the Byzantine church, possibly once a cathedral, point to the village’s role as a religious center during the Byzantine era. The change in the village’s population from Christian to Muslim during Ottoman rule reflects the broader historical and cultural transformations that occurred in Crete during this period.