Askifou, Chania prefecture Crete
High in the mountains, at an altitude of 730m is the village of
Askifou. Its name derives from the ancient Greek word for cup,
"skifos" and originates from the shape of the plateau in which
the village nestles.
Askifou is around 50km southeast of Chania. The local population
are mostly farmers who produce a variety of crops from this
fertile mountain region. In particular, potatoes, chestnuts,
grapes (both for wine making and eating) and a variety of
cereals are cultivated. Askifou is famous not just for its
breathtaking mountain scenery but also for its celebrated cheese
pies.
This small mountain village also has an historic importance that
belies its size. Two such instances are of significance:
During the Cretan revolt against the invading Turks, the
villagers of Askifou took part in a courageous battle which
culminated in destroying the forces of Sherif Pasha in the
Straights of Lagos in 1821.
Secondly, in 1896, the village was chosen by The General Cretan
Foundation to be the place where the summit was held to discuss
and finalise the union of Crete with the rest of Greece.
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