“Little Venice”
Once the village of Venerato (20 km south of Heraklion, the capital of Crete) was a vocational spot for Venetian nobility. They built mansions here and, enchanted by the beauty of the landscape, called this place “little Venice”. Of course, the villas have been greatly damaged by the time, but the beauty around has not faded at all.
Crete was the largest and richest overseas possession of the Venetian Republic for centuries – from 1210 till 1669.
You can find the village of Venerato and the gorge of the same name on Google Map: 35.195867318854056, 25.040262620370655
The vineyards and olive groves, embracing the village, are pleasing to the eye; and Apollonas River flows along the bottom of the Venerato Gorge, as it was before. The name of the river comes perhaps from the ancient city of Apollonia. The river does not dry up in the summer. Therefore, the Venerato Gorge is always green and has the tender noise of water unlike most of the gorges of Crete.
Its deep part is about 1650 feet long and immersed in the greenery and birdcalls. The passage is not difficult, but it is better to wear comfortable shoes and a helmet. The latter is an insurance against falling stones caused by goats, looking at tourists from above. Moreover, after an old water mill, the canyon narrows almost to the width of the shoulders, while the height of the cliffs is up to 80 feet!
Along the way you will see a huge cave Gra Spiliara with flocks of wild pigeons. Then are Kouroupi area, where the walls come together in a “kiss”, and waterfalls with lakes justifying the name “little Venice”.
The say that back in the 1950s, the river had water of drinking quality and was home to turtles, crabs, eels and other creatures. Now, alas, it is polluted…
The end of the route is at the church of Agios Fanourios, hidden under a rock. Nearby is the Paliani convent (Moni Palianis), the oldest in Crete. According to one version, the name “Venerato” is associated with this monastery. It was called by Venetians Monasterium venerato (“venerable monastery”).
Another pride of Venerato is the only international Symposium of Sculptors in Greece, which is usually held in July. Sculptors from around the word carve their creations from blocks of marble right before the eyes of the amazed public.
The exhibition place of the white marble sculptures on Google map:
35.200241641990694, 25.038585260217385
Where to admire the “little Venice” and soaring flocks of pigeons, to ask Saint Fanourios how to find what you have lost? Have you already marked Venerato on your route?
If you want to know about other gorges of Crete: