Metaxohori, previously known as Parsas, is a small village located 4 km west of Christos village in Crete, Greece. It sits at an altitude of 600 m and has a population of only 55 residents as of the 2001 census. The village has a rich history dating back to the 17th century, evidenced by the old churches found in the area. In 1955, the village was officially renamed Metaxohori in honor of the Ecumenical Patriarch Meletios Metaxakis, who was born there.
Many of the residents of Metaxohori have immigrated to the plains of Ierapetra to work in the glasshouses. The village is connected to the Symi villages Riza-Mournies by a dirt road. Despite its small size, Metaxohori boasts excellent infrastructure, including an asphalt road, a renovated school, and a memorial for fallen fighters. The village also has beautiful old and new churches and a bust of Patriarch Meletios Metaxakis.
Metaxohori’s modern history is filled with influential figures and noteworthy events, including the era of Turkish rule and the German Occupation. Captain Diakomanolis was a prominent figure during this period, while Giorgos Metaxakis, a lawyer who spoke seven languages, made an impression in his work at the Prefecture.
For nature enthusiasts, Metaxohori offers stunning natural landscapes and mountain trails waiting to be explored. The village is also home to a cave called Kleisidi, which contains ancient artifacts from the time when people sought refuge during Turkish rule. The village’s healthy climate and tranquil environment make it an ideal destination for emigrants, mountaineers, and nature lovers.
Metaxohori is waiting to be repopulated and revived, as it has a wonderful climate and is surrounded by the verdurous mountain slopes of Dikti. Its few residents currently enjoy the solitude and tranquility of the area, but the village is open to visitors who want to admire the village of the Patriarch Meletios Metaxakis.
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Metaxohori is a small village located 4 km to the west of the village Christos at an altitude of 600 m.
Metaxohori, originally named Parsas, existed 2 km below its current location at the site of Myrtaras. It served as a part of Mournies province in Viannos until 1929 when it became an autonomous community. Today, it is one of many local departments under Ierapetra Municipality’s jurisdiction. The settlement dates back as far as the 17th century due to evidence of old churches found here.
Parsas village was officially changed to Metaxohori in 1955 to pay homage to the Ecumenical Patriarch Meletios Metaxakis, who was born here.
In 2001, 55 residents were registered in the census.
Metaxohori possesses outstanding infrastructures with an asphalt road, in addition to the renovated school and memorial for the fallen fighters. It also has beautiful old and new churches as well as a bust of Patriarch Meletios Metaxakis. For nature enthusiasts, there are amazing mountain trails waiting to be explored as well as a cave called Kleisidi which contains ancient artefacts left behind from when people sought refuge during Turkish rule.
Metaxohori has a healthy climate and its air is scented by the verdurous mountain slopes of Dikti.
Metaxohori is not a popular tourist destination, but it offers a serene environment that is hard to come by, with its lovely Cretan-style ruined houses and half-decayed cemetery church. It is waiting to be repopulated and revived.
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