Agios Sillas between Juktas, vineyards and history

Agios Sillas (Áyios Síllas) lies 14 kilometres from Heraklion at an altitude of 569 metres, on the western foothills of Mount Juktas and surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. The combination of village, elevation and cultural landscape gives the place a distinct character. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Agios Sillas, you can first consider whether this village landscape and the history of the place should be your main focus.

History in specific places

The village’s history stretches far back: a document from 1305, in which Áyios Síllas is mentioned for the first time, reports two old churches, Agio Sila and Santa Maria. According to the document, both were destroyed in the 1303 earthquake and rebuilt with the help of the residents by Rogerius de Rogerios. The old village of Áyios Síllas, associated with the site of Perdikónero, was destroyed by the Turks in 1645, shortly before the siege of Chandax began. These dates tell of different turning points in the history of the place.

Another historical landmark is the small Hamamoutzi cave inside the Church of Agios Georgios in Agios Sillas. It is closely linked to the Cretan resistance; in the summer of 1941, the first group of the “National Resistance” was sworn in there. The old bridge at Chani tou Agiou Silla is also considered worth a visit. The stories of the area thus bring you both evidence from earlier centuries and a specific episode from the period of the resistance.

An event in the annual calendar is a celebration organised by the Agios Sillas cultural association: it takes place every year on 29 July, the eve of the feast day of the patron saint Agios Sila. If your travel dates coincide with this occasion, check the specific details for that year.

Heraklion: museums and architecture

Heraklion itself offers a distinct urban cultural experience. The Historical Museum of Crete displays two paintings by El Greco from 1569 and 1570—the artist’s only works on Crete. The museum also has a dedicated collection of personal belongings and manuscripts belonging to the Cretan writer Nikos Kazantzakis. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum spans a broad period: its collections include representative evidence of Cretan prehistory, early history and history, from the Neolithic period to Roman times.

Heraklion’s architecture also reflects different chapters in the island’s history. The Venetians built Koules to protect the pier and harbour. The Loggia is a Venetian building dating from the 16th century. The Basilica of San Marco now houses the municipal art gallery; art and craft exhibitions are held there, and the programme may change. Heraklion Cathedral, Agios Minas, is dedicated to the city’s patron saint and is one of the largest churches in Greece. The Basilica of Agia Ekaterini, built in 1555, was the site of a renowned school for Renaissance painters and writers in the 16th and 17th centuries.

The Natural History Museum of Crete in Heraklion offers an interactive museum experience. It includes the Enceladus earthquake simulator and offers exhibitions and games for children and adults. These exhibits may change. In addition to collections and historic buildings, Heraklion therefore also features interactive experiences.

When choosing a holiday apartment, you can compare the specific focus you want: Agios Sillas combines its elevated setting and vineyard and olive-growing landscape with the history of a village; Heraklion offers an urban focus on museums and architecture. You can choose where to stay according to which of these perspectives you want to shape your trip.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Agios Dimitrios, Tsoutsouros, Astrakoi, Pitsidia, Stalida, Agia Irini, Elea, Mires.

For the main travel overview: Heraklion.