Gavalohori Crete

Gavalohori,
Crete: A place of
history, tradition, and nature.

Gavalohori,
Crete,
is a picturesque village in the centre of Apokoronas Peninsula, close to the
villages of Vamos and Douliana. It is located about 25 kilometres southeast of
Chania city.

Although it is a rural village, Gavalohori, Crete, has good amenities
for visitors, including taverns, a café, a bakery, a mini market, and various
stores. The village is very close – about 4 kilometres – to the excellent beach
of Almyrida.

The village’s characteristic name -
Gavalohori – comes from the Gavalas family, who was a well-known family during
the Byzantine period.

Gavalohori,
Crete – a village that respects tradition

Gavalohori, Crete, has many
centuries-old buildings with very interesting architecture. Many of these older
buildings have been carefully restored, like the 18th century olive oil press,
with its characteristic arches, the old school, and numerous houses.

The people of Gavalohori, Crete, have
been historically very faithful. Characteristic of this faith are the 14
churches in and around the village, the most interesting of which are the old churches
of Panagia, Agios Sergios and Agios Pavlos, which have been restored in a
masterly manner.

In the main square of Gavalohori,
Crete, you can find the agricultural and handicraft co-operation of the women
of Gavalohori. There, you can see – and buy – some characteristic pieces of the
authentic folk art of rural Crete, like the “kopaneli”, a very delicate
handmade lace, and various knit wears. Obviously, these articles make very good
keepsakes or presents.

In Gavalohori, Crete, there is also
the local Historical and Folklore Museum, where you can learn
many things about the history and culture of the village and the region in
general. In the museum you can find exhibits like pottery, coins, weapons and
costumes. Very interesting is the architectural style of the centuries-old
museum, which combines the Venetian and the Ottoman architectural styles, as it
was built and converted during these two historical periods.

Regarding
its history, one of the impressive things about Gavalohori, Crete, is that it
is inhabited from the Neolithic age up to now. During the last three thousand
years, the Minoans, the Ancient Greeks, the Romans, and later the Byzantines,
the Venetians, the Ottomans, and modern Greeks, have all left their mark in the
area.

The
fascinating area around Gavalohori, Crete

The surrounding area of Gavalohori,
Crete, is equally interesting to the village itself.

First of all, the nature around the
village is magnificent. You can make unforgettable walks in the footpaths
around Gavalohori, in scenic landscapes of olive trees, carobs and bushes of
herbs.

A place of special historical
interest is the location of the Venetian Wells of Gavalohori. The Venetian
Wells of Gavalohori are about 1 kilometre out of the village – to get there,
just follow the signs. The Venetian Wells played a central part in the society
of Gavalohori, Crete, during that historical period.

Near the village, you can also find
the Roman cemetery of Gavalohori.

Gavalohori, Crete,
is a place of unique beauty, where history meets tradition. Although the
village is not so known as its neighbouring Vamos village, Gavalohori, Crete, is a place where you should certainly spend some
time, when exploring Apokoronas Peninsula.

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