Anogia

Anogia is built at an altitude of 700 meters on the slopes of Psiloritis.

Myth and history have left their markings in Psiloritis, which since ancient times has been a holy place of worship. The famous cave of Ideon Antron associated with the Father of the Gods and people ,Zeus, has given to Psiloritis mountain its glory and sanctity.

Excavations to the cave, exposed many important artifacts such as iron weapons and tools, bronze utensils (tripods, kraters), bone and ivory objects and especially the famous bronze votive shields with hunting scenes. They belong to the period of Greek art of the 8th and 7th centuries BC and today are placed in the archaeological museum of Heraklion.

Scattered on the plateau of Nida are the “mitata”, stone vaulted pastoral lodges and dairies that stand out with their wise construction.

Even the Christian religion is associated with the sanctity of the mountain, the Holy Cross chapel on its highest peak attracts many visitors during summer.

In the middle of the route from Anogia to the cave there is the archaeological site of Zominthos, the most important economic center of Minoan Crete.

Within walking distance of Anogia, the road leads to Skinaka, at another peak of Psiloritis. Here, the Observatory operates under the care of the University of Crete.

In Anogia you can still walk through the narrow alleys and squares of the village and get to know
locals, their music, folk art and tradition, all those elements that inhabitants keep unchanged in time.

Visit the 14th century churches with old damaged frescoes, the Michalis Skoulas folk art museum, the house of the musician Nikos Xylouris, the traditional shops with cretan textiles that stand out and decorate the alleys and the streets of the village.

Enjoy your coffee in traditional cafes, and eat it in authentic flavor taverns.

Anogia inhabitants are quite different from other Cretans, because they maintain the traditional form of life in the way they dress, linguistic idioms and keep social events unchanged. They are distinguished for their hospitality. Not long ago, celebrations, banquets and games were held in honor of the guest.

Every summer Yakinthia a cultural festival takes place in Anogia.