Vrysses, Agios Nikolaos

Vrysses (officially: οι Βρύσες) is a village in the Municipality of Agios Nikolaos, Lasithi regional unit, Crete, Greece. It is located 3 kilometers from Neapoli, on the north side of Mount Kavallara, overlooking the “Skafi Mirabellou” valley.

History

• Cretan Revolt (1866-1868): A major battle took place in Vrysses on August 6-7, 1867, during the Cretan Revolt against Ottoman rule. The Turks were defeated, with 250 casualties, and forced to retreat towards Neapoli. Notable figures in this battle included Emmanouil Kokkinis, the brothers Matthaios and Konstantinos Sfakianakis, and others. Since 1986, the anniversary of this battle has been commemorated under the auspices of the Municipality of Neapoli (initially) and later Agios Nikolaos.

• Archaeological Finds: Archaeological findings from the Late Minoan period (14th-11th centuries BC) have been discovered on Prophet Elias hill and in the Drasi area, indicating that the region has been inhabited since prehistoric times.

Landmarks

• The Village Fountain (1887): A notable landmark with an inscription.
• Church of Afentis Christos (1863): Known for its impressive architecture and wood-carved “templon” (iconostasis).
• Prophet Elias Hill: A hill with a small church offering panoramic views of the Mirabello valley.

Village Key Points

• Historical References:
  • Historical records mention the battle of 1867.
• Location: Municipality of Agios Nikolaos, Lasithi regional unit, Crete, Greece. 3 km from Neapoli.
• Altitude: 400 meters.
• Historical Significance: Site of a battle during the Cretan Revolt of 1866-1868.
• Population: