Veni, Mylopotamos

Veni is a village located in the Mylopotamos municipality of Rethymno regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It sits at an altitude of 340 meters above sea level, about 40 kilometers east of Rethymno city, between the villages of Garazo and Axos. The village is known for its water springs and cherry cultivation.

History

The village is first mentioned in historical records by Francesco Barozzi in 1577 as “Veni” within the Mylopotamos province. A Venetian census in 1583 by Castrofylaka lists it as having 129 inhabitants. Francesco Basilicata again notes it in 1630, and an Ottoman census from 1671 records it as “Veni” with 13 taxable households.

In 1881, the village had 164 residents and belonged to the municipality of Garazo. By 1900, the population had increased to 174, still under the same municipality. In 1920, it became the seat of its own rural municipality. However, in 1925, it was annexed to the community of Garazo and then shortly after to the community of Axos. Finally, in 1931, Veni was established as the seat of its own community, which it remained until the 1997 administrative reform when it became part of the Kouloukonas municipality.

Demographics

The population of Veni has fluctuated over the years:

Landmarks

The main church of the village is dedicated to Agia Paraskevi, a single-aisled structure built in 1917. The cemetery church is dedicated to Agia Anna. Veni also has churches dedicated to Agioi Theodoroi and Agia Marina.

Another notable religious site is the Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos, which features frescoes dating back to the 14th-15th centuries. These frescoes depict various scenes including the Platytera, the Annunciation, the Assumption, the Nativity, and numerous saints. The church was renovated through private initiative and funding from the parish.

The Community of Veni

The Community of Veni, established in 1931, belongs to the Municipality of Mylopotamos in the Rethymno regional unit. In addition to Veni itself, it also includes the settlement of Kateriana. As of the 2011 census, the population breakdown is:

• Veni: 188 inhabitants
• Kateriana: 129 inhabitants

Local Traditions and Legends

Veni is believed to be located on the site of the ancient city of “Vini.” Local families trace their ancestry back to various origins, including the Sfakia region and Constantinople. One legend tells of a family descended from soldiers who arrived with Nikephoros Phokas in 961 AD. Another story recounts the village’s resistance against the Turks, with only a single Agha residing near the village mill.

A local tale speaks of a nearby cave and a now-vanished village called Kalokyro. A shepherd, upon discovering a deceased woman still nursing her child in the cave, returned later to find a pig eating the child.

Economy

The inhabitants of Veni are primarily engaged in agriculture, producing olive oil, raisins, and various fruits and vegetables.

Village Key Points

• Location: Mylopotamos municipality, Rethymno regional unit, Crete, Greece. Approximately 40 kilometers east of Rethymno city.
• Historical Significance: Possibly located on the site of the ancient city of Vini. Historically significant due to its continuous inhabitation since at least the Venetian period and its role in local administration.
• Population data over the years: See the demographics section above.
• Current Status: An active village with a declining population, primarily engaged in agriculture.

This information provides a comprehensive overview of Veni, combining historical data, demographic trends, and key landmarks.