Males: Frescoes and Ancient History

Males combines a long history with Byzantine church art and nature trails. The village lies on the site of the ancient city of Μάλλα; the Byzantine church Παναγία has well-preserved frescoes dating from 1431. Nature trails lead from Males to a plateau, a spring, and several churches. When choosing a holiday apartment, it is therefore worth first considering which themes you want to shape your trip: ancient history, frescoes, or the destinations along the trails.

Byzantine Frescoes in the Church of Παναγία

The Byzantine church Παναγία is a notable landmark for those interested in culture: its well-preserved frescoes date from 1431. The date gives the paintings a specific historical reference point; the church building and its wall paintings offer two interrelated ways to explore sacred art. If you enjoy placing such details in the context of local history, you can also discover Males through these works of art. In addition to its religious significance, the church has a clearly defined art-historical profile that adds another distinct period to the picture of the village.

The Ancient City and Its Independence

The ancient history can also be traced to a specific connection: the village of Males lies on the site of the ancient city of Μάλλα. Around 2,500 years ago, the ancient city of Μάλα was an autonomous city-state that minted its own coins, had its own army, and worshipped its own deities. These features make its independence tangible: its coinage and army existed alongside its own religious world. This gives the idea of an autonomous city-state political and religious dimensions. The date remains approximate—around 2,500 years ago; together with the frescoes from 1431, it forms a broad timeline from antiquity to Byzantine art. If you want to get to know Males through its history, you can use these two points in time as a common thread.

Nature Trails and Their Destinations

Nature trails from Males lead to the Katharo Plateau, the spring Ρετικού, Παναγία τη Μεσσοχωρίτισσα, a Palaiologan church, Άγιος Νικόλαος, and the double-nave church Άγιος Χαράλαμπος και Αφέντης Χριστός. The destinations offer different points of interest: the plateau and spring are complemented by churches whose names and historical context add cultural history to the natural setting. The iconostasis of the double-nave church is particularly noteworthy; it is the work of woodcarvers from Νιταδώροι in Lasithi. The trail destinations therefore range from landscape features to specific examples of craftsmanship. When planning, you can consider whether you would rather focus on the plateau and spring or on the churches and their history. The destinations offer a range of themes to explore during your time in Males.

Males as a Base for Your Trip

If your main interest is sacred art or destinations in nature, you can take these interests into account when deciding where to go.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Vrouchas, Ferma, Pacheia Ammos, Gra Lygia, Kouremenos, Pilalimata, Prina, Mílatos.

For the regional travel guide: Lasithi.