Kritsa Crete
One of the most beautiful villages of Crete is Kritsa, capital town of the County of Kritsas. It has a population of
around 2,100 inhabitants and is about 10km southwest of Agios
Nikolaos. Its beauty derives from its surroundings.
Built on a hill, it has panoramic views of surrounding
countryside and this is enhanced by the enchanting character of
the village itself with its narrow cobbled streets and houses
built in the traditional style. Most of the locals are farmers
and agricultural workers but they are also skilled craftsmen and
women, producing many traditional artefacts such as pottery,
embroidery and textiles which are sold in local shops.
Interesting things to see in Kritsa must include the 15th
century Church of Panagia Keras which is close to the village.
It is a three-aisle church with the central aisle being
dedicated to the Virgin Mary whilst the other two aisles are
dedicated to Agia Anna and Agios Antonios. The church has some
superb and valuable Byzantine frescoes which date from the 14th
and 15th century. Among the themes depicted on these beautiful
and colourful wall paintings are scenes from The Garden of Eden;
The Life of Agia Anna; The Theometoral Circle; The Apocalypse,
The Annunciation and The Last Supper. Another interesting
excursion that can be taken from the village is to the
excavation site of the Doric city of Lato Hetera which
flourished during the 1st Millenium BC. .