MUNICIPALITY OF MALEVIZI

The Municipality of Malevizi, located near Heraklion in Crete, is rich in cultural and historical heritage spanning millennia.

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Some important facts about the history and Venetian tradition of the area:

 

Regarding the name “Malevizi”

To the northeast of the village of Keramoutsi lie the ruins of the Venetian fortress of Malvizini (Castel Malvizini), which gave its name to the entire province. The fortress dominated the area from the clay hill of Kastelli. Subsequently, the region gave its name to one of the most famous wines of all time, Malvasia wine, which was exported throughout Europe for many centuries. This wine was traded, among others, by Pietro Querini.

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The village of Tylissos and its cod tradition

The traditional village of Tylissos, continuously inhabited for more than 3,400 years, preserves remarkable Minoan ruins and a network of historic churches adorned with centuries-old frescoes. At the heart of the village stands a beautifully restored Venetian fountain, alongside traditional cafés and early 20th-century mansions protected by the Ministry of Culture.

In the Venetian archives, the settlement is mentioned under numerous variations of the name Tylissos. In 1271, in a contract for the sale of wine, it was referred to as Tilise, while in a contract dated 1301, it appeared as Dilisi. In a document from the Ducal Archive of Chandakas dated 1374, it is mentioned as Tilisso. Finally, in the census of Kastrofylakas in 1583, it appears as Telese, with 546 inhabitants.

The patron saint of the village is Saint Nicholas. The church dedicated to him was built at the end of the 19th century and celebrates its feast day on December 6. On the eve of the celebration, following the vespers service, a large feast takes place during which fried cod with traditional garlic-potato sauce is served.

In the past, the villagers collected the Genista acanthoclada shrub and transported it by mule to Chandakas (Candia) — present-day Heraklion — to sell it. With the money they earned, they bought cod, or the “spade,” as they called the piece they purchased. Because the people of Tylissos engaged systematically in this trade, neighboring villages gave them the nickname “cod.”

Tylissos is also home to the Municipal Gallery “Botis Thalassinos,” which houses more than 200 works donated by the celebrated Greek painter.

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The village of Rodia and its Venetian tradition

To the east of the village stands the fortress of Paleokastro. Perched above the sea, it served as a crucial Venetian stronghold during the Ottoman siege of Heraklion in the 17th century. Once equipped with state-of-the-art artillery, it remains a powerful reminder of the island’s strategic naval past. At its base, a rare Venetian lime kiln still survives, representing a unique example of pre-industrial architecture in Crete.

Located in the village of Rodia, the Palace of Modina, also known as Villa Kallergi, offers a rare glimpse into Venetian aristocratic life on the island. Built in the 15th century, it now hosts exhibitions and cultural events and is considered one of the finest examples of private Venetian architecture in Crete.

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This rich mosaic of archaeology, folklore, and Venetian heritage makes Malevizi an outstanding destination for visitors seeking authentic cultural experiences in Crete.