This is one of the most famous villages of Crete mainly because it maintains the Cretan tradition and praises it through music till nowadays. The village is built at an altitude of 750 m. above Psiloritis mountain. When you visit you will notice that many of its inhabitants still wear the traditional clothing of the area and you will be enchanted by the sound of the Cretan lyre. Psiloritis is the birthplace of many artists such as Nikos Xilouris whose house is now open to the public to visit.
Based on mythology, Zeus was born in Anogia, in Ideon Andron cave the village is connected with the birth of Zeus in the cave Ideon Andron. This is the same cave in which the successive struggles of the Cretans for freedom took place. The village was destroyed three times: twice by the Turks in 1822 and 1867 and once by the Germans, who burned and killed the inhabitants who had stayed there.
Many cultural events that highlight the Cretan tradition are organized in Anogia every year. The Women’s Cooperative plays an important role in maintaining the customs of the area and. It is the first established women’s association in Greece and very famous for its wonderful handmade needlework. If you are interested in getting to know the place and its history, the inhabitants will be eager to welcome you and show you around.
