Overview

This village in the Municipality of Nikiforos Fokas lies 7km along the old national road from Rethymnon to Chania at an altitude of 350m and has a population of approxima- tely 450. It is recorded by Barozzi (1577), by Kastrofilakas (1583) as "Prines and Dependencies" with a population of 430, and by Vasilikatas (1630). In the censuses of 1881 and 1900 the village is ascribed to the Municipality of Atsipopoulo, with approximately 520 inhabitants, while since 1928 Prines has formed a community in its own right. E. Lambrinakis refers to Prines as the birthplace of Markos Kaloudis, a member of the revolutionary "Holy Company" who distinguished himself in battle at Dragatsani and Frangokastelo. Kaloudis died in 1886, having left his entire estate to the District of Rethymnon, to fund the education of local born teachers.

The village is noted for its picturesque alleyways; other local attractions include the Bemboyiannis Mill and a traditional olive press.

The municipal ward of Prines extends to the small village of Vederi, known for its Venetian buildings. A magnificent stone threshing floor is visible to the right of the road linking the two villages.
The Church of Agios Antonios (1833), featuring icons by Ioannis Stathakis, is also well worth visiting.