Psychro, Lasithi plateau

Psychro (officially: το Ψυχρόν) is a village in the Lasithi regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It is located on the Lasithi Plateau at an altitude of 840 meters, on the northern slopes of Mount Toumba Moutsounas (1532 meters). The village has a population of 119 residents (2021 census).

Psychro is known for the Diktaean Cave (also known as the Cave of Psychro), located above the village. According to Greek mythology, this cave is the birthplace of Zeus, the king of the gods. The cave is a popular tourist attraction, drawing thousands of visitors each year.

Name

There are various theories about the origin of the village’s name:

• Location: One theory suggests that it is related to the location where the village is built, at the widening of a valley.
• Pre-Greek Origin: Another theory proposes a pre-Greek origin for the name.
• Cold Spring: A third theory links the name to a cold spring (“psychro” means “cold” in Greek) in the village.

History

• Diktaean Cave: The Diktaean Cave, at an altitude of 1025 meters, was an important place of worship in Minoan and ancient Greek times. Archaeological excavations have unearthed numerous votive offerings, including figurines, pottery, axes, jewelry, and other artifacts.

• Venetian and Ottoman Periods:

  • 1364: The Venetians destroyed the villages on the Lasithi Plateau and prohibited habitation due to frequent uprisings.
  • 1465: The Venetians allowed the cultivation of cereals, leading to the establishment of temporary settlements (“metochia”), which later became permanent.
  • 1583: The census of Castrophylacas mentions Psychro as “Mettocchio Psicro” but does not record its population.
  • 1630: The census by Francesco Basilicata lists Psychro as “metochio Psihro” with 20 houses.
  • 1671: The Ottoman census records Psychro as having 42 “haratsia” (tax-paying households).
  • 1834: The Egyptian census records 35 Christian families living in Psychro.
  • 1881: Psychro became the seat of a municipality with 333 Christian inhabitants.

• 20th Century:

  • 1925: Psychro became the seat of its own community.
  • 1997: It was incorporated into the Municipality of Oropedio Lasithiou.

Landmarks

• Diktaean Cave: A sacred cave in Greek mythology, believed to be the birthplace of Zeus.
• Church of Agios Georgios: Located near the Diktaean Cave.
• Cultural Association “O Xenios Zeus”

Village Key Points

• Historical References:
  • 1583 census of Castrophylacas as “Mettocchio Psicro.”
  • 1630 census as “metochio Psihro” with 20 houses.
  • 1671 Ottoman census as “Psihro” with 42 “haratsia.”
• Location: Lasithi Plateau, Lasithi regional unit, Crete, Greece. 45 km from Agios Nikolaos.
• Altitude: 840 meters
• Historical Significance: Diktaean Cave (birthplace of Zeus according to mythology).
• Population:

• Current Status: Active village, popular tourist destination due to the Diktaean Cave.