⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗

The village Margarites in Mylopotamos district, Rethymnon, is one of the most beautiful villages of Crete. The colorful stone houses, imposing temples, and picturesque alleys attract visitors from all over the island. The proximity to Ancient Eleftherna and the Archaeological Museum of Eleftherna has increased the number of visitors, who usually stop for food here.

The village has a long tradition in pottery, as one will realize from the first moment. Dozens of shops sell local ceramics, such as jars, pots, plates, with manufacturing techniques that have their roots back to the Minoan era. The village, together with Thrapsano in Heraklion, are the largest centers of pottery in Crete. As in Thrapsano, clay around the village has always been abundant, but unfortunately, the raw material comes from trade today.

The rich history of a Cretan village is reflected in its churches. Likewise in Margarites, the visitor will see many churches of the Venetian period. Among them stand out Saint John the Theologian with the frescoes of 1383, Saint John the Baptist of the 15th century, the Dormition of the Virgin (Panagia) with the impressive bell tower, and Saint Nicholas.

Margarites was burned down by the Venetian rulers due to the revolutionary action of its inhabitants in 1333. After the occupation of Crete by the Ottomans, Margarites became the seat of the province of Mylopotamos, while in 1829 it was the seat of the Cretan Council. In 1879 it became the seat of the municipality of Margarites.

Trail Margarites - Houmeri

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The part of the E4 trail that starts from Margarites and finishes at Houmeri is mostly along the main road connecting the villages of the area (Pigouniana, Orthes, Kalandare, Kalamas, Pasalites). The highlights of the route include the ceramic centre of Margarites village, the well preserved samples of the tradional house architecture and some important churches.

Eleftherna Ancient Bridge

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The ancient bridge of Eleftherna was built in the first half of the 4th century and is preserved in excellent condition, crossing the torrent Chalopotas. Nearby there was another twin bridge that has not survived. It has a length of 9.5 meters and a width of 5.25 meters. It has a characteristic shape, as there is no arch, but a triangular opening (ekforic architecture).

Church of Saint John at Margarites

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The church of St. John Baptist is located in the center of Margarites and is a single – aisled vaulted church. Below the plaster, frescoes of 1383 have been revealed.

Early Christian Basilica of Eleftherna

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At position Katsivelos in Ancient Eleftherna the archaeologists have revealed the ruins of an imposing basilica. The basilica was built on the site of an older temple of the 3rd century BC, probably dedicated to Hermes and Aphrodite. The basilica was founded by the Bishop of Eleftherna Efratas around 450AD and was dedicated to the Archangel Michael.

Lord Christ Church at Eleftherna

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The double church of the Transfiguration of Christ and Saint Anne is located in the cemetery of the village Ancient Eleftherna. The original church of the 10th century bears frescoes of the 12th century, has a dome and was built on the ruins of an older temple of the 6th century.

Church of Saint John the Divine at Margarites

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The Church of St. John the Theologian in Margarites is located at the southwest side of the village. It is a single-room vaulted temple and its interior bears traces of frescoes and an impressive stone iconostasis (icon shrine). On each side of the temple there are three blind arches.

Church of Agia Paraskevi at Pigouniana

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Inside Margaritsano gorge we meet the Byzantine church of Agia Paraskevi, which can be accessed from Pigouniana via a dirt track. This is a small single-nave barrel-vaulted temple with its interior adorned by frescoes of the Venetian era.

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