Smari, Minoa – Pediada

Smari (Σμάρι), officially Smarion (Σμάριον), is a village located in the Municipality of Minoa Pediada in the Heraklion Regional Unit of Crete, Greece.

Geography and Location

Smari is situated in the northernmost part of the municipality, just 7 kilometers from its administrative center, Kastelli. It is 27 kilometers from Heraklion and 23 kilometers from the well-developed northern coast, which historically served as the port for the Pediada region on the Cretan Sea. The village is built at an altitude of 320 meters above sea level.

History

The village’s name, Smari, is derived from the Greek word “smari,” meaning “swarm of bees,” which describes the dense population of the area in ancient times. Smari is first mentioned in 1375 in a document from the Ducal Archive of Chandax (Heraklion).

Archaeological research conducted between 1978 and 1983 revealed that the settlement has been inhabited since the early Minoan period (with the oldest findings dating back to the second Middle Minoan period). Settlements, farmhouses, sanctuaries, temples, and cemeteries from the Minoan and historical periods have been discovered, indicating continuous or simultaneous development around the present village and the hill of Profitis Ilias (Prophet Elias), which seems to have been the center of both religious and residential interest throughout history. The Acropolis is considered the most important archaeological site in the wider area of the Kastelli municipality.

Economy

The inhabitants of Smari are primarily engaged in agriculture and livestock farming. The main products are olive oil, wine, and livestock products. In the past, the village’s population was also involved in the trade of olive oil and feta cheese (locally known as “mourga”).

Points of Interest

The main churches in Smari are:

• Agios Ioannis Prodromos (Saint John the Baptist): A two-aisled church also dedicated to All Saints.
• Koimisis tis Theotokou (Dormition of the Theotokou): The village’s main church.
• Agios Georgios (Saint George): A church with frescoes dating back to 1320.
• Profitis Ilias (Prophet Elias): A church located on the hill of the same name.
• Sotiros Christos (Christ the Savior): Located on the southwestern slope of Profitis Ilias hill.
• Agios Georgios: Located in the Smariano plain.
• Archangelos Michael (Archangel Michael): A more recent church.

On the southern slope of Profitis Ilias hill, you can find the Kallergi Monastery, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. The monastery is directly related to the prominent and historical Kallergis family, which played an important role during the Venetian period in Crete.

Culture and Traditions

Smari has a distinct identity compared to other villages in the area. Historically, the village was known for its itinerant olive oil merchants (“stratilates”) and local processors of goatskins (“chevreaux”), who successfully expanded their activities into export trade in Western and Eastern Europe, based in Heraklion. This economic activity, including the trade of olive oil, processing of local hides, and cheese production, was developed and organized during the Venetian period.

Family and Social Life

The social structure in Smari was influenced by the economic activities of its residents. The trade of olive oil, goatskins, and cheese, facilitated by the Venetians’ organized trade and information network, contributed to economic development and cultural growth.

Settlement: Key Points

• Historical References: First mentioned in 1375.
• Location: Northernmost part of Minoa Pediada Municipality, Heraklion Regional Unit, Crete, Greece.
• Historical Significance: Inhabited since the Minoan period, with significant archaeological findings.
• Population Data:

References

• Wikipedia