Armeni: History, Church and Landscape

Armeni combines a clearly defined geographical setting with a local history rooted in assemblies, naming and architecture. Those wishing to bring landscape and history together on a trip will find several points of interest here: the Kiliaris Valley, the Xide River, political events and the Church of Agios Nikolaos.

Elevation, Valley and River

Armeni lies 50 metres above sea level, east of the valley of the Kiliaris River. Several springs in the village feed the Xide, also known as the Xidas, which flows to Kalives. Xide and Xidas are two names for the same river, so you can read the variants as referring to one and the same watercourse. The geographical description brings together the village’s elevation, its position relative to the Kiliaris Valley and the course of the water as far as Kalives. This gives you several clear points of reference for locating Armeni geographically.

Naming and Political History

The name Armeni dates back to Armenian soldiers who settled there after Crete was reconquered by Nikephoros Phokas in 961. During the Revolution of 1821, Armeni was designated the seat of the Provisional Revolutionary Assembly. To commemorate the assembly of May 1822, the village was renamed Eleftheroupoli. The history of its name and its role as a meeting place offer two different ways into Armeni’s past: the first reaches back to the 10th century, the second to the events of 1821 and 1822.

Later political events are also linked to assemblies in Armeni. During the siege of Vamos, the Post-political Committee held a meeting in the village in May 1896. The first assembly of the Revolution of 1897 took place in Armeni on 26 June. At a general assembly during the Revolution of 1897, a dispute arose between Unionists and Autonomists. The two years refer to different contexts: 1896 to the siege of Vamos, and 1897 to the revolution.

Agios Nikolaos and Architecture

The three-aisled Church of Agios Nikolaos was built in the 1930s and was one of the last works by local craftsmen influenced by academic traditions. “Three-aisled” describes the division of the church interior into three lengthwise sections. The term draws attention to the building’s form, while the information about the craftsmen adds to its history. This makes it possible to understand the church both architecturally and through the local craft tradition. Its construction dates to a much later period than the political assemblies of the 19th century.

Find a Holiday Rental in Armeni

If you are looking for a holiday rental in Armeni, your personal travel interests can guide your shortlist: are you mainly interested in the political assemblies, the architectural history of Agios Nikolaos or the village’s geographical setting? These different interests offer reasons to get to know Armeni and start looking for a place to stay.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Chorafakia, Vamos, Epanochori, Douliana, Neriana, Voukolies, Galatas, ασκύφου

For the broader travel overview: Chania.