Episkopi, Heraklion

Episkopi Επισκοπή
Episkopi
Location within the regional unit
Coordinates: 35°16′N 25°15′E / 35.267°N 25.250°ECoordinates: 35°16′N 25°15′E / 35.267°N 25.250°E
Country	Greece
Administrative region	Crete
Regional unit	Heraklion
Municipality	Hersonissos
Population (2001)[1]
• Municipal unit	2,533
Community
Time zone	EET (UTC+2)
• Summer (DST)	EEST (UTC+3)

Episkopi (Greek: Επισκοπή) is a former municipality in the Heraklion regional unit, Crete, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Hersonissos, of which it is a municipal unit.^[2] Population 2,533 (2001).

Episkopi village is located 18 km southeast of Heraklion city and just 8.5 km south of Kokkini Chani village, in the inland of Hersonissos Municipality. The village has been inhabited since the Minoan era, as archaeological findings witness and lead to a long cultural history. The local population is basically involved in agricultural as well as animal productions, which as a result offer high quality olive oil and dairy products. In the area visitors meet Venetian monuments, such as ‘‘the Tower’’, and also churches from the Byzantine era, such as Agios Ioannis and Agia Paraskeui church that are decorated with enviable and unique frescoes. Moreover in the village is located the Argirakio Ethnological and War Museum that was founded by Michael Argirakis, presenting war, ethnological and historical exhibits. The relaxing atmosphere in combination with the local hospitality and the traditional delights combine an ideal destination for lovers of taste, tradition and cultural history.

Main Villages in Municipal Unit of Episkopi

Aitania Village

Aitania village is located up on a hill west of Episkopi village, in the inland of Hersonissos Municipality, and on the east of Karteros Potamos Valley with a northern view to the sea, at an altitude of 255 m. The population is approximately 319 inhabitants. Its picturesque churches as well as the striking landscape of the valley of Karteros Potamos, make it a unique destination for nature lovers who, after their sightseeing can take a rest in the traditional cafes in the paved cobblestoned square of the village where orange trees, mulberry, oleanders and pomegranates grow. In conclusion it’s a must see experience to visit the churches of Agios Ioannis, Genisis of Theotokou and Agia Paraskeuh, all three of them dating back to the 13th century. The visitors enjoy unforgettable moments of relaxation as well as a unique and overwhelming feeling of freedom just by laying eyes on the wild site of the area.

Galifa Village

Galifa village is located 25 km southeast of Heraklion city, built on a flat spot on the hilltop next to Armeno hill and Kefalopoulo hill, in the inland of Hersonissos Municipality. The village offers a view of wild and impressive beauty, of far away bare mountains as well as close fertile spots, full of olive trees, aspalathous, faskomilies and prinous. Galifa village has a long and important history that starts in the Minoan era, proven by the ancient findings in the area. This village is known for its contribution of freedom fighters to every Greek liberation struggle and war as well as for the atrocities that German and Turkish occupants committed here. The unquenchable thirst for freedom led to the birth of local heroes and the villages’ recovery out of the ashes is witness to the strength of character of its people. The local hospitality and their occupation in the agricultural and animal rearing sector, creates outstanding products for visitors to taste. In conclusion the unforgettable feasts with traditional music, dancing, food and drinks will impress every visitor by granting him beautiful memories of Cretan hospitality.

Skopela Village

Skopela village is located just 6.5 km south of Gournes village and 18 km southeast of Heraklion city, in the inland of Hersonissos Municipality, at an altitude of 280 m. A picturesque village with fast and easy access, where visitors can enjoy relaxing moments by stopping at the traditional café of the village for a refreshing drink, situated in the square of the village. This square is decorated with flowers and trees that offer shade during the summer time. In the middle of the square is a renovated well, which would have provided the water for the inhabitants. Agioi Pantes church, decorated by the Vrefokratousas and Pantokratoros frescoes is a must see point of interest that is dated back to the start of 19th century. Just a walk around is enough for everyone to be impressed by the characteristic alleys and the warm essence. It is truly an ideal destination for relaxation and photography.

Stamnoi Village

Stamnoi village is located 17 km southeast of Heraklion city and just 7 km from Gournes village by the sea, in the inland of Hersonissos Municipality and at an altitude of 290 m. The local residents are specialized in the high quality production of olive oil, wine, grapes and raisins, which due to its ideal climate are produced in abundance. Visitors will see ‘‘the Tower’’ in the middle of the village, a two storied building that on its top we can see loopholes. It is known to be the tower of a Venetian feudal lord of the area and in its yard is a triangle. The village square is a magical site to visit, decorated with mantels and ornamental plants and also with the Hrwo monument that was built in honours of the local war heroes, and it’s made of marble. During the summer time a number of events take place in the village. The outstanding event for the village is on August 15th to celebrate the Panagia, the Virgin Mary, when locals and visitors come together for a magnificent feast with traditional food, drinks, music and dancing.

Galipe Village

Galipe village is located 21 km southeast of Heraklion city and just 5 km from Gournes village, at an altitude of 280 m in the inland of Hersonissos Municipality. The village is built on a hill, offering a unique view especially on its north side, where visitors will see a fertile area that spreads through the mountain side and ends at the sea, scenery worth being seen and photographed. Also in the village you will find traditional cafes that serve not only drinks and coffee but local delights as well. The square of the village is cobblestone paved and in the middle a small fountain, decorated with 4 stone statues of little lions. A number of ornamental plants and trees provide shade and relaxing scents during the summer period. A visit to the church of Koimishs of Theotokou is a must; it was built on the 14th century and is decorated with unique and enviable frescoes. During the summer time a number of events take place in the village and in its area but the one that stands out, is that of the 15th of August, where locals and visitors, after a church ceremony come together and celebrate with traditional food, drinks, music and dance until the early morning hours.

Kainourgio Chorio Village

Kainourgio Chorio village is located 18.5 km southeast of Heraklion city, and just 4.8 km from Gournes village, at an altitude of 220 m in the inland of Hersonissos Municipality. Basically it is a small settlement with a big history and experience in wine making, dated back to the 16th century. Nowadays, local villagers are in agricultural production, producing exceptional and high quality wine and olive oil. Visitors will see the picturesque square of the village, in its centre a small fountain refreshes visitors and a bit further stands the church of Panagia where the religious tradition of burning Judas take place at Easter. In the village the Wine Museum, created by Ioannis Papadakis, exhibits such as traditional textiles, loom and a cellar full of different kinds of wine in a large number of traditional wine barrels can be seen, as well as facilities and machinery from the Venetian age that have been maintained to this day. The Foskolo Tower and the Agia Anastasia church is built in a huge rock, compose worthwhile visiting points of interest. A picturesque village, with traditional cafes, relaxing atmosphere and a number of unique sites, will impress all visitors.

Sgourokefali Village

Sgourokefali village is located 18 km southeast of Heraklion city and just 10 km from Gournes village, in the inland of Hersonissos Municipality, at an altitude of 330 m. In the village, visitors will find the church of Agia Triada, and will admire the magnificent frescoes that decorate its inside and are dated back to the middle 18th century; also they will arrive at the beautiful square of the village where Hrwo monument stands, a historical monument in honours of the WW2 heroes. Made of marble, the monument is dominated by a stone eagle. Continuing you will see the fountain of the village, made of stone and decorated with ornamental plants, and traditional cafes where you can have refreshing drinks as well as traditional delights and beverages. Just outside the village and in close proximity area you can visit the Gorge of Karteros. There you will witness the magic and wild beauty of the gorge with ponds and waterfalls along its route. During the summer time and 50 days exactly from the celebration of Easter, a great celebration takes place in honors of Agia Triada, with a religious ceremony followed by the gathering in the square of the village, both villagers and visitors to feast on local delights and drinks and dance to the sounds of Cretan music, till the early morning hours.

Main Points of Interest in Municipal Unit of Episkopi

Argirakeio Ethnological War Museum

Argirakio Ethnological War Museum is located in the Municipal Unit of Episkopi, and houses an important WW2 collection of the war spoils of its founder, Argirakis Michael. Its purpose is to rescue, preserve, exhibit and display objects of folklore and ethnological character. Through the exhibitions, visitors can see military WW2 items as well as documents and photographs.

References

1. De Facto Population of Greece Population and Housing Census of March 18th, 2001 (PDF 39 MB). National Statistical Service of Greece. 2003.
2. Kallikratis law Greece Ministry of Interior (Greek)