The village of Vafes, a small traditional village with a rich history, in the heart of Apokoronas in Chania, is the ideal destination for those seeking an authentic experience of Cretan nature and tradition. Located 37 kilometers away from Chania, the settlement has been designated as a protected monument by the Ministry of Culture since 1997. In fact, Vafes Apokoronas is the only village in the prefecture of Chania that has been declared a historic monument, due to its significant architecture and history. The village dates back to the Byzantine era, and most of its buildings preserve elements from the late Venetian or early Ottoman period.
The village of Vafes, with its traditional Venetian alleys and characteristic Cretan houses, enchants every visitor with its tranquility and simplicity. The nature surrounding Vafes is rich and pristine, offering ample opportunities for hiking, photography, and exploration. The renowned Cave of Krionerida is just a 15-minute walk away, and the entire route to the cave is beautiful, with abundant vegetation.
The village of Vafes in Apokoronas, Chania, with its rich history and architecture, is a precious cultural destination that combines the beauty of Cretan nature with the authenticity of tradition. The settlement reveals the architectural heritage preserved to a large extent from the late Venetian and early Ottoman periods.
Among the notable buildings of Vafes, the large residence complex of Emanouil Iereos Skordilis stands out, dating back to 1745, which is an exceptional example of the local architecture of that era. Additionally, the vaulted constructions attributed to the warrior Alidakis testify to the historical and architectural diversity of the village.
The religious architecture of the village is also remarkable, with the double-aisled Church of Christ and the Church of Saint John the Baptist in Ampadia, where a Venetian bell from 1581 is located, showcasing the spiritual and social life of the village over the centuries. A little higher than the village, the church of Saint John the Hermit and northeast, the Byzantine church of Asomaton, complement the rich religious character of the area.
The village of Vafes is also distinguished for its natural beauty, with the Laggos gorge and the Krionerida cave offering unique exploration experiences and contact with the wild nature of Crete.
The Krionerida cave is located in the Laggos gorge and holds immense historical significance. The entrance to the cave is quite narrow, and one can only enter by crawling. Once inside, the cave is spacious enough to accommodate approximately 180 people. In this cave, in August 1821, the civilian inhabitants of the village of Vafes tragically lost their lives, seeking refuge there from the violence of the Ottomans. At the entrance of the cave, there is a shrine, and the memory of the deceased is honored every August 22nd with a memorial prayer.
The small monastery of Agion Asomaton is dedicated to the Angels of Christ. The exact date of its founding is not known, but there are documents suggesting its activity from the 13th century. This monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Crete and holds great religious significance for the region. Inside the church, designs were found on the walls that are believed to have been created during the time of the iconoclasm. Additionally, during excavations, the foundations of a second church where discovered.
In most buildings of the village, there are untouched elements from the Venetian and Ottoman periods. For this reason, Vafes has been declared a place of special architectural and historical significance, with many buildings being designated as preserved monuments, thus preserving the identity and history of the village for future generations.
