Astraki Bridge
One of the most impressive deserted village of the entire prefecture of Heraklion is Kato Astraki at province Pediada. The reason that makes it so important is the wealth of monuments it has. Within the dilapidated houses of the former village we meet many important Byzantine churches, Minoan graves and other archaeological findings, the stone bridge of the village and several watermills.
The bridge of the village Kato Astraki is called Astrakiani Kamara (Arch of Astraki) and is located a few meters away from the village, on the banks of the River Karteros. Astrakiani Kamara is a magnificent and well preserved arched stone bridge built in the 16th century and is one of the most beautiful of Crete. The bridge was built to connect Astraki with Sgourokefali and the villages of the eastern side of the river Karteros.
Only a few meters south of the bridge we find the stunning watermill of Paterikos, preserved in very good condition. Adjacent to Kamara and near the mill there is a large rock which hosted an ancient sanctuary. However, a few years ago the altar was stolen and today there is nothing there anymore.
