Agios Antonios Church & Venetian Tower: A Tranquil Glimpse into Cretan History
The original church is thought to have been built during the Byzantine era, a time of rich cultural and artistic expression. Local stories and traveler accounts describe a church filled with vibrant frescoes depicting saints and scenes from the Bible. One inscription, mentioning Emperor Alexius Comnenus of Constantinople, suggests the church may have been built around 1100 AD.
While the church suffered damage when the nearby Venetian Tower collapsed in 1918, it was lovingly restored to its present form in 1920. Inside, you'll find an engraved note on the northern wall, dated 1677 and signed "Vitzentzo Kornaros." This was likely left by a pilgrim, not the famous poet Vitsentzos Kornaros, but a member of a prominent Greek-Venetian family who lived in the area during Venetian rule.
As the winter snow melts in the mountains, a natural spring flows from the hillside near the Venetian Tower and Agios Antonios Church, providing a refreshing source of water.
Dating back to the Venetian era, this imposing three-story structure likely served a dual purpose: as a fortified residence for a noble family and as a watchtower to guard against pirate raids and Ottoman attacks. Its strategic hilltop location offered panoramic views of the surrounding land and sea, enabling residents to spot threats from afar. The tower's sturdy walls, small defensive openings, and ample storage space provided refuge and protection in times of danger.
In the late 19th century, during Crete's struggle for independence from the Ottoman Empire, locals attempted to destroy the tower to prevent its use by enemy forces. Despite suffering damage from dynamite blasts, the tower endured until a powerful storm in 1918 caused a partial collapse, impacting the adjacent Agios Antonios Church. Following extensive restoration in the 1990s, the tower now welcomes visitors to explore its fascinating history and enjoy the stunning views from its upper levels.
On the Way to the Venetian Tower and Agios Antonios Church
Location: 35°10'38.38"N / 25°56'51.97"E / Elev. 105M
