Sampas, Minoa – Pediada

Sampas is a village in the Municipality of Minoa Pediada, Heraklion regional unit, Crete, Greece. It is located at an altitude of 330 meters, around 30 kilometers southeast of Heraklion city, on the road to Kastelli Pediados.

The village has a small population, with 55 residents recorded in the 2021 census. The main occupation of the residents is olive cultivation. The primary agricultural products are sultana raisins, grapes, and olive oil. The village’s water supply comes from the springs of Agios Mamas.

History

Sampas is believed to have been inhabited since ancient times. It is thought to have been known as “Thenai” or “Sylos” in the past.

The village is mentioned in the 1583 census of Castrophylacas under the name “Saba” with 80 inhabitants. In 1657, the Ottomans captured Sampas, and the village was largely deserted, leaving only 5 Christian families. Until 1840, it was ruled by the Janissaries (elite Ottoman troops) of Thrapsano. Later, it became a small town again with the arrival of residents from the Lasithi Plateau. Sampas was part of the municipality of Kastelli until 1898, after which it was attached to the community of Zofori. From 1928 onwards, it became an independent community, along with the Agkarathos Monastery, which was separated from Sgourokefali.

One theory suggests that the name “Sampas” is of Turkish origin, meaning “very early in the morning.”

Churches

• Church of the Prophet Elias: Located within the village.
• Church of Saint Nicholas: A Byzantine church with frescoes.
• Church of the Entry of the Theotokos: Another Byzantine church with frescoes.
• Church of Saint Spyridon: A newer church in the village.

Village Key Points

• Historical References:
  • 1583 census of Castrophylacas as “Saba” with 80 inhabitants.
• Location: Municipality of Minoa Pediada, Heraklion regional unit, Crete, Greece. 30 km southeast of Heraklion city.
• Altitude: 330 meters
• Historical Significance: Ancient settlement, Ottoman-era depopulation and repopulation.
• Population:

• Current Status: Active village with a very small and declining population, primarily agricultural economy focused on olive cultivation.