The Abandoned Village of Velouli near Apoini

Velouli is a deserted village located approximately 44 kilometers south of Heraklion, Crete, and 2 kilometers from the village of Sokaras. Situated at an altitude of 380 meters above sea level, it overlooks the Apoini valley.

History

The village has a rich history dating back approximately 400 years. It was once home to Cretan Muslims who were forced to leave the island, as well as to refugees from Asia Minor, mainly from the region of Iconium (modern-day Konya, Turkey) who were expelled from their homeland in the early 20th century.

Velouli played a significant role during World War II. The village was home to the Valavanis family, renowned for their active participation in the Cretan resistance against the German occupation. The family’s contribution to the resistance movement is well documented, with prominent resistance figures like Kimonas Zografakis attesting to their bravery and patriotism. The Valavanis family provided shelter and support to various resistance fighters, including Podias, Petrakogiorgis, the Bantouvas brothers, and other Greek and Allied partisans.

The Church of Panagia Velouliani

At the entrance of the village stands the Byzantine church of Panagia Velouliani, dedicated to the Presentation of the Virgin Mary. While the church’s feast day is celebrated on November 21st, the main festival takes place annually on Easter Tuesday. Above the entrance, an inscription bears the date 1209, although the exact significance of this date remains unclear. While the exterior of the church appears well-maintained, the interior shows signs of neglect and the passage of time.

Present Day

Over time, the inhabitants of Velouli gradually migrated to the nearby village of Apoini, leaving Velouli abandoned. Today, the village stands as a reminder of its past, with its deserted houses and the resilient church bearing witness to its history.

Key Points

• Historical References: The village’s history is intertwined with the forced migration of Cretan Muslims and the arrival of refugees from Asia Minor.
• Location: 44 km south of Heraklion, Crete, near the villages of Sokaras and Apoini.
• Historical Significance: Notable for the role its residents, particularly the Valavanis family, played in the Cretan resistance during World War II.
• Current Status: Abandoned, with residents having relocated to the nearby village of Apoini.