Panagia Kera church at Amari
The imposing church of Zoodochos Pigi (Life Giving Spring) or Panagia Kera in Amari is hidden among the centuries-old olive groves of the area. The three-aisled church of the 15th century was built on the site of a ruined cruciform church with a 13th century dome, which in turn is believed to have been built on the site of the temple of Apollo. The location of the temple was stagnant and for this reason many water drainage ditches have been constructed around. Water was probably gushing from these ditches, which justifies the dedication of the temple to the Life Giving Spring.
From the original cruciform church of the 13th century, the sanctuary, the prothesis, the deaconry and a few frescoes are preserved, such as the Dormition of the Virgin Mary on the north wall and the Ascension at the sanctuary. A chapel with an elliptical dome has been added to its northwestern part, which has a holy water tank in the middle. At the southern entrance there is the coat of arms of the Kallergis family (14th century), one of the strongest Cretan families of the Venetian era who had received special privileges from the Venetians.
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