 |
|
|
|
| General info |
The province of Rethymno is one of the four provinces of Crete. It stretches from the White Mountains until Mount Psiloritis, bordered by the provinces of Hania and Heraklion. The largest mountain range of the White Mountains, Psiloritis and Kouloukounas and the secondary ones of Kedros, Asiderotas and Vrisinas form a network of valleys, the main one of which is Mylopotamos and the two valleys of Amari. The few flat areas are found near the north and south coasts, while the plateau of Nida stretches over the mountainous mass of Psiloritis.
The city of Rethymno is the capital of the province. Smaller population centers are Anogia, Spili, Perama and Episkopi.
In 1204 Crete came under Venetian rule, a period of domination which lasted until 1669, the last centuries of which are characterized as the "Kingdom of Crete" and left a legacy of many important monuments on the island such as the Fort of Monopari, the Fort of Kastri, Mountrous Mansion (venetian mansion with an impressive gateway and an inscription from Virgil’s "Aenead") and the Clodio mansion of Chromonastiri that is an agricultural mansion belonging to a wealthy Venetian family of Rethimno.
The Turkish occupation brought with it a dark period for Rethymno. The economy became agricultural, education ceased for a few centuries and oppression became unbearable. The Revolution at Sfakia in 1770 prepared for the uprising of 1821, which in turn re-ignited in 1866. It was in this revolution that the Arkadi Monastery near the Rethymno became world famous after the martyrdom of its defenders.
Crete was eventually unified with the rest of Greece in 1913 and since then it has followed the nation’s history.
In May 1941, Rethymno was one of the German Parachutists’ three fronts. The memorable resistance of the local people led to the execution of hundreds of inhabitants and the leveling of whole villages.
The development of tourism in the last 20 years has given employment opportunities to the people of Rethymno and has stemmed the emigration to urban centers which had devastated the settlements of the province.
Some of the most known villages of the province of Rethymno are Anogia, Argyroupoli, Margarites, Bali and Agia Galini.
Anogia is a small town, built at an altitude of 750m on mountain Psiloritis. It was often burn down in the past by its conquerors, before being leveled in 1944. It offers rooms to rent, restaurants, a folklore museum and shops selling woven products. The visitor can call in on the cave in which, according to mythology, Zeus was born.
Built on the ruins of ancient Lappa, Argyroupoli keeps its traditional character. The visitor can enjoy the greenery of the village.
Margarites is a village with a great tradition in pottery making and classic examples of traditional Cretan architecture.
Bali is a small fishing village that developed with tourism. The visitor, apart from enjoying the basic services that are offered to him, can enjoy the crystal clear sea and visit the monastery of St. John.
Old fishing village which was spread with tourism is Agia Galini, situated on the south coast, between the boarders of Rethymno - Heraklion provinces. Apart from the beautiful sea, the visitor can enjoy boat trips along the coast.
Rethymno, the small Mediterranean town with its Renaissance architecture, Venetian fortress, museums and beaches will enchant you, and as for the surrounding province with its endless beaches, the monasteries and the churches, the ancient sites and the Venetian and Turkish monuments will be unforgettable. |
| Where to stay |
| Hotels in the area |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
