Paliani Abbey
The Abbey of Paliani is one of the oldest monasteries in Crete and its history reflects the ecclesiastical history of the island, with the fluctuations and the conquerors that tried to impose their own religion in the residents. The oldest information on the Abbey of Paliani emanates from the 668 a.C. and from then it was named ";Palia"; (old).
The Byzantine chapiters and the architectural relics unfold even more the thread of history, revealing that in the place where the current catholic is, there existed an old christian temple. It is aan old christian royal, the relics of which that are incorporated in the current temple.
Very important role in the worshipping tradition of Paliani Abbey plays the well known ' Myrtia of Paliani, a very very old tree that is found right next to the temple. According to tradition, in the root of the tree Myrtia it was found the picture of Virgin Mary. For this reason the tree is considered thaumaturge and around this the whole history of the monastery was built. The Virgin Mary is known as ' Mirtidiotissa'.
Gorge of relatively small length. It starts from the Municipal Apartment of Avgeniki and leads to the church of Aghios Fanourios to the Municipal Apartment of Venerato. Its width in many points reaches one metre, while in all its length there are impressive waterfalls. In its abrupt bents thousands of birds find shelter, like kaliakoudes and wild pigeons. In the interior of the gorge there is a cave. During the bombardments of World war II, the cavern was used for shelter. In the interior there are also many stalactites.
Old settlement, which is situated panoramically at the south-west of Avgeniki. Its advantageous position has attracted investors, which develop and change the old buildings of the settlement into traditional hostels. In a close distance from the settlement there is the temple of Micheal Arhaggelou with Byzantine drawings and the Kavousi (stone traditional tap).
North of the Municipal Apartment of Kerassia there is a gorge of 2 klm length through which the European Mountaineering path E4 goes through.
Its main characteristic is the variety of alternations of the natural landscape. In particular, the gorge is dominated by abruptly tall trees called ";prani";, that in certain cases they reach 150m. In height the gorge in its all extent has oblong form with north direction and bents from 0% up to negative.
The temple of Aghia Paraskevi is of Byzantine rythm with appreciable murals and is dated from 961-1204a.c. The restoration of the temple was only recently finished.
The Byzantine chapiters and the architectural relics unfold even more the thread of history, revealing that in the place where the current catholic is, there existed an old christian temple. It is aan old christian royal, the relics of which that are incorporated in the current temple.
Very important role in the worshipping tradition of Paliani Abbey plays the well known ' Myrtia of Paliani, a very very old tree that is found right next to the temple. According to tradition, in the root of the tree Myrtia it was found the picture of Virgin Mary. For this reason the tree is considered thaumaturge and around this the whole history of the monastery was built. The Virgin Mary is known as ' Mirtidiotissa'.
Aghios Fanourios gorge
Vlahiana
Panagia Faneromeni
Its main characteristic is the variety of alternations of the natural landscape. In particular, the gorge is dominated by abruptly tall trees called ";prani";, that in certain cases they reach 150m. In height the gorge in its all extent has oblong form with north direction and bents from 0% up to negative.
Aghia Paraskevi Sivas
SOURCE: Municipality of Paliani
