Loutra

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  villakallergi

  Loutra is a medieval village of Crete. Although at a distance of only a few kilometres from the town, it has preserved its own characteristics. You will pass through age-old olive groves, which are believed to be the oldest of all Mediterranean countries. Old and modern buildings reveal the progress of people during a journey through time. The village owes its name to the baths ( "Loutrà" in greek) of the inhabitants of the village "Aliakes" which was close but is not saved today. You have the opportunity to visit the "fabrika" (old oil mill), which was used a few decades ago for oil pressing, and the medieval aqueduct with its Turkish inscription. Narrow alleys, various churches as well as the renowned Monastery of Arsani complete this colourful and polymorph excursion. In the central square of the village ouf Loutra is found the Villa Kallergi. Returning to the main road from Pigi to Arkadi and continuing eastwards for a further 1.5 km, we come to Loutra, which is referred to by the same name (Lutra) in Venetian sources of the 16th century. Elsewhere in parallel sources it is called Lustra or Lucia. The village was once occupied by a number of Ottomans who were replaced in 1922 by people from Asia Minor. It is worthwhile taking a stroll through the beautiful alleyways of the village, with their stone houses and flower-decked balconies. We can stop at the fountain with the Turkish inscription, and at the house of Ilias Spantidakis, leader of a workers' union of coalminers in Colorado, USA, who passed into history under the name of Louis Tikas. Outside the village, a little track leads to an extremely picturesque spot with the church of Ayios Pandeleimon and the memorial to 10 people from Loutra who were executed by the Germans.

  15 years ago | reply | hide comment