Kritsa

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. .

kritsa