The village of Agios Miron in Crete
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Agios
Miron is the capital of the Malevizi province with a population
of 730. It is located 19km to the south-west of Heraklion. The
village is on top of a hill and the whole area is covered in
vineyards and olive groves. There are panoramic views all around
and the village itself has some impressive examples of
traditional architecture. One of the main features of the town
is the schools clock tower which is visible from almost
everywhere in the area of Malevizi. The famous Malevisian wine
is produced in this region from grapes cultivated in the local
vineyards and, furthermore, the water of Agios Myron is of
excellent quality and is considered to be one of the villages
most important resources.
The village was named after the local Saint, Agios Myron who was
ordained bishop of Gortys at the end of the 4th century and was
born in the ancient town of Rafkos which was a significant
city-state and, according to Homer, took part in the Trojan war
The present village stands on the site of this ancient city.
Saint Myron was martyred during persecutions held by the Roman
Emperor Dekius and many miracles have been attributed to this
patron saint. For example, a nearby rock is known as the
Dragon and, according to tradition it is the remains of a
dragon who used to eat humans and animals and was killed by St.
Myron who touched it with his crosier, striking it dead and
saving the local people.
Places to visit in the village is the church of Agios Myron
where one can visit the hermitage and tomb of the Saint. Every
year, on 8th August a village feast is held in honour of him.
Other churches in the village include the church of Agii
Apostoloi with impressive wall paintings and the church of Agia
Paraskevi which has a perennial eucalyptus in its grounds. Also,
in the village, are three stone fountains which relate to the
local custom of "klidodnas" fortune telling and a further
festival is held in each year celebrating this art. Finally,
nearby is the area of Drakos where there are three caves: "Agiasma",
"Anonymo" and "tou Manoura o spilios". This is an interesting
place to visit, not only to see the caves themselves but also to
listen to the rare phenomenon of sounds that are created by the
wind around the caves.
The village produces high quality raki.Each October and November
the visitors have the opportunity to attend and participate
actively in the production of raki.