Sykologos, Viannos

Sykologos (Συκολόγος) is a village and the seat of the Sykologos community in the Viannos Municipality in the Heraklion Regional Unit, Crete, Greece. It is situated at an altitude of 580 meters.

Location

Sykologos is located 75 kilometers from Heraklion and 16 kilometers from Ano Viannos. It sits at the top of a slope that rises north of the main road and ends at Tertsa in the south. To the east, it borders the land areas of Mournies, Gdochia, and Myrtos. To the west, it borders the land area of Kalamio.

The village is in the southeastern part of the Viannos Municipality. The buildings in the village were once used as warehouses for carobs and citrus fruits produced in the area. Today, there are large greenhouse cultivations of fruits and vegetables in the coastal area, as well as outdoor cultivations of bananas and vegetables (e.g., eggplant, tomato, etc.).

History

The name Sykologos is believed to be of ancient origin, composed of the words “syko” (fig) and “logos” (collector), suggesting a possible link to fig cultivation in the area’s history.

The first recorded mention of the village dates back to 1583 when it was listed in the population census of Castrophylacas as ‘Sicologo’ with 228 inhabitants.

During the Ottoman occupation of Crete (1669-1898), the village was reportedly one of the first in the Viannos province to be settled by the Ottomans. The residents took refuge in nearby caves to escape the Ottoman forces.

Sykologos residents actively participated in the Cretan Revolutions against the Ottomans and later in conflicts in Macedonia, Epirus, and Asia Minor. During World War II, the village was destroyed by the Germans and rebuilt after the war.

Economy

The residents are mainly engaged in agriculture, including olive cultivation, winter tomatoes, bananas, and greenhouse-grown fruits and vegetables. Tourism is not a significant part of the local economy.

Education

The first primary school in Sykologos was built in 1879 next to the church of Timios Stavros. After its destruction in 1943, a new school was built outside the village, which operated until 1994. Today, children attend school in the nearby village of Amiri.

Religion

The village has a strong religious tradition. The main church, a double-aisled basilica, is located near Kavousi. One aisle is dedicated to the Holy Cross (Timios Stavros) and the other to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary (Evangelismos tis Theotokou).

There are also several Byzantine chapels in and around the village, including those dedicated to Agios Haralambos (Saint Charalambos), Afendi Christou (Lord Christ), Agios Savvas (Saint Sabbas), Agios Georgios (Saint George), and Agios Ioannis Theologos (Saint John the Theologian).

Landmarks

• Cave of Apakougi: Located at an altitude of 400m, this large cave is associated with the ancient church of Agia Apakougi (Saint Obedience), which was reportedly destroyed by the Arabs in 824. The cave is believed by locals to be vast and unexplored.
• Agios Ioannis Theologos (Kavousi): This chapel, once a monastery, is located 4 km south of Sykologos. It is known for its inexhaustible spring (kavousi) and is considered the patron saint of students.

Settlement: Key Points

• Historical References: First recorded mention in 1583.
• Location: South-central Crete, in the Viannos Municipality.
• Historical Significance: Played a role in the Cretan Revolutions against the Ottomans.
• Population Data:

References

• Wikipedia