Vrysses, Agios Vassilios

Vrysses (Βρύσες), also known as Akoumovryses, is a small village located in the Rethymno regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It is part of the Municipality of Agios Vasilios and sits at an altitude of 550 meters on the northeastern slopes of Mount Siderotas. The village is situated 39 kilometers from the town of Rethymno.

Historical Overview

The village’s name, Vrysses, which translates to “springs,” is derived from the two springs found within the settlement.

• Venetian Era: Vrysses is first documented in 1577 by Francesco Barozzi as “Vrisses de Cumia.” Venetian census records from 1583 list the village with 121 inhabitants.
• Ottoman Era: During the Ottoman period, a tower was constructed in the village, likely in the late 17th or early 18th century. This tower, now in ruins, is a rare surviving example of a narrow-fronted, rectangular tower from this era and has been designated as a historical monument.
• Egyptian Census: In 1834, Vrysses was included in the Egyptian census of Crete.
• Modern Era: By the 1881 census, Vrysses had a population of 158, all Christians. In 1925, it became part of the Akoumia community.

Points of Interest

• Tower: The aforementioned Ottoman-era tower.
• Churches:
  • Koimisi Theotokou (Assumption of the Virgin Mary): The village’s main church.
  • Agioi Apostoloi (Holy Apostles): A Byzantine church near the road to Akoumiani Gyalia, featuring a surviving fresco of the Hypapante (Presentation of Jesus at the Temple).
  • Agios Stefanos (Saint Stephen): Another church in the village.

Battle of Akoumovrysanos River

On December 8, 1868, a significant battle of the Cretan Revolt (1866-1869) took place near Vrysses, on the banks of the Akoumovrysanos River. This battle involved Cretan rebels and Greek volunteers led by Colonel Dimitrios Petropoulakis against Ottoman forces. The battle resulted in the deaths of approximately 200 rebels and volunteers.

Settlement: Key Points

• Historical References: First documented in 1577.
• Location: 39 kilometers from Rethymno, on the northeastern slopes of Mount Siderotas.
• Historical Significance: Site of a battle during the Cretan Revolt of 1866-1869.
• Population Data:

References

• Wikipedia
• RethNea