Kato Kalesia: Churches, History and Spring

Church art as a guiding thread

Church art, local history and the Agia Paraskevi spring offer concrete starting points for a culturally focused stay in Kato Kalesia. The Church of the Annunciation stands in the old part of the village. Its remarkable wooden iconostasis and portable icons are among its defining features; the church is also considered a characteristic example of 13th-century Venetian-ruled Crete.

An iconostasis is a partition in a church decorated with icons. The wooden structure and the portable images represent different forms of religious art: one is a fixed element of church architecture, while the other consists of movable icons. Architecture and image-making can thus be distinguished as two aspects of the church’s furnishings.

History and feast days

The history of the Church of the Annunciation is not defined solely by its dating to the 13th century. During the Cretan uprising, it was looted by the Turks in 1866; the faithful rebuilt it in its present form. This brings together an earlier historical context and a later turning point in the 19th century.

The church calendar also adds to the history of the building and events. The church celebrates on 25 March and 15 August. On 15 August, the Lamentations for the Dormition of the Mother of God are sung. The two dates offer different points of reference: the March feast day is one, while the August date is described more specifically through the hymns.

The history of the two settlements extends beyond the churches. Ano Kalesia and Kato Kalesia are listed in the Kastrofylakas census of 1583; both were severely damaged in the earthquake of 1856. The census records them at a particular point in time, while the earthquake marks a later turning point for both places.

Nearby, in Ano Kalesia, stands the Church of Saint George. It plays a central role in the religious life of the village. This extends the view of religious heritage beyond the churches in Kato Kalesia, without treating the two places as one.

Architecture and a place to take a break

The Church of the Apostles Peter and Paul in Kato Kalesia presents a different architectural form. Built in 1969 as a domed, three-aisled basilica, it is considered an important religious monument by local residents. “Three-aisled” describes a division of the church interior into three aisles; together with the dome, the term identifies prominent features of the building. In comparison with the Church of the Annunciation, the focus here is on a specific year of construction and a different architectural form.

The Agia Paraskevi spring adds a place of practical importance to these themes. It supplies both settlements with water, and visitors can stop there for refreshment. The spring thus connects the settlements’ water supply with a convenient place to take a break during your stay.

What to consider when choosing your stay

When looking for a holiday apartment in Kato Kalesia, consider what interests you: would you like local history, churches, architectural styles and feast days to be the focus, or would you also like to include the spring as a place to stop for refreshment? The historical details connect Kato Kalesia with Ano Kalesia, while the spring explicitly supplies both settlements. These different themes can help you weigh your preferences for your stay before choosing a holiday apartment.

Discover more destinations: Kiparissos, Tsoutsouros, Kroussonas, Mália, Plora, Agios Myron, Mesi, Gouves.

Return to the overarching travel guide: Heraklion.