Tylissos: History Among Olive Groves and Psiloritis

Tylissos lies on the eastern foothills of Psiloritis, in a valley of olive groves and vineyards. This large traditional settlement combines a striking landscape with a long history, from Minoan remains to churches, mansions and a Venetian fountain. Anyone considering these themes when choosing a holiday apartment in Crete will find that Tylissos’s character is shaped by both its surroundings and the historical traces within the village.

A Place Name with a Long History

The name Tylissos has been in use for at least 3,400 years. It is considered the only place name read on the Linear B tablets of Knossos that is still used today. Settlement here also dates back a long way: Tylissos was first settled before 2000 BC and flourished in two successive periods, the Neopalatial phase from 1650 to 1450 BC and the Final Palatial phase from 1450 to 1200 BC. These dates give the history of the village a clear sequence, rather than reducing it to a single historical moment.

The archaeological site of Tylissos lies nearby. Three mansions excavated there attest to close ties with Knossos. Finds from the site, including three large bronze cauldrons described as unique in the prehistoric Aegean, point to an important bronze-working centre. The chamber tombs also date mostly from the final period of prosperity, from 1400 to 1200 BC. Their grave goods included painted clay sarcophagi, pottery vessels, jewellery and seals. The mansions, workshop finds and tombs each tell a different part of the area’s archaeological story.

Churches, Fountains and Mansions in the Village

Among the oldest buildings is the Church of Christ, also known as the Transfiguration of the Saviour. It is considered the oldest church in Tylissos and retains frescoes from the early 14th century. A different period is represented by the two mansions in the centre: they date from the early 20th century and have been listed by the Ministry of Culture. The square also features a restored Venetian fountain with two arches and two spouts. Church paintings, residential architecture and the fountain show just how varied the village’s historical landmarks are.

Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of Tylissos. His church was built in the late 19th century, and the patronal feast is celebrated on 6 December. The feast day also features a local culinary tradition: in Tylissos, fried cod is served with skordalia. An older story explains why people from neighbouring villages called the residents “Bakaliaroi,” meaning “codfish.” In the past, residents gathered Achinopodia, carried them to the city on mules and sold them; with the proceeds, they bought cod. The feast-day dish and the nickname thus link a local tradition with an earlier way of life.

Photographs of Crete and a Landscape in Context

The municipal gallery of Malevizi in Tylissos hosts a permanent exhibition from the K. Koutoulakis Photo Archive. Koutoulakis accompanied the “Commission for the Investigation of Atrocities in Crete” as a photographer and documented the devastated island immediately after the occupation ended. The exhibition turns the focus to a more recent and distinctly different historical period than the archaeological remains, offering visitors another cultural perspective on the village.

When deciding whether Tylissos suits your interests as a holiday destination, its highlights may be useful to consider: its history spans the Bronze Age to more recent photographic records, while olive groves and vineyards shape the valley. So if you are choosing a holiday apartment for a trip to Crete, you might consider Tylissos in particular if you want to explore archaeological history, local buildings and the landscape together. Its historical themes are quite distinct, so you can tailor your interests for the trip depending on whether you would rather focus on its long history of settlement, the landmarks in the village centre or photographic memories of Crete.

Discover More Destinations

Ano Asites, Pentamodi, Skafidaras, Sivas, Avdou, Sarchos, Petrokefalo, Semeli

For the overview of the wider area: Heraklion.