Kritinia: Local History and Kastellos Castle

Place Name and Kastellos Castle

Kritinia brings together local history and prominent historical landmarks in the village and its immediate surroundings. The village was formerly called Kastellos and was renamed Kritinia in 1948. Nearby stands Kritinia Castle, also called Kastellos, on a rock above the sea. During the Italian occupation, it served as a naval base. The renaming of the village and the castle’s former function therefore represent two different historical narratives. When exploring Kritinia, you can keep this distinction in mind: the name belongs to the village’s history, while the naval base story belongs to the castle.

The castle also contains remains of the buildings where the guard lived, as well as the ruins of the Catholic church of Hagios Pavlos (Saint Paul). These details add the remains of guard and church buildings to its former role as a naval base. Several aspects are important for understanding the castle: its location on the rock above the sea, its role during the Italian occupation, and the ruins mentioned above. This allows the castle’s history to be viewed from different perspectives.

Traces Around the Square

The square in the village itself offers a different focus. There stands a marble drinking fountain built by the Italians in 1914. Its material and construction date set it apart from the other historical landmarks. There is also a small café on the square, in the shade of an old plane tree. The fountain, tree and café are part of the square’s character; the nearby castle is a distinct historical focal point. This contrast draws attention to two different sides of Kritinia: a dated structure on the square and the castle’s former maritime role. Those interested in local history will find both a specific historical marker and the story of the nearby castle.

Just a few metres from the square stands the small church of Saint John in Kritinia; its murals date from the 16th century. This is a distinct art-historical landmark within the village. Compared with the marble fountain of 1914, the focus here is not on the construction date and material, but on the murals and their earlier date. The two dates invite a specific comparison: the 16th century and 1914 mark clearly different periods in Kritinia’s history. For travellers who enjoy discovering culture through individual buildings, this contrast offers a clear point of reference.

A Cultural Focus for Planning Your Trip

When planning a stay, it helps to consider where the historical attractions you are interested in are located. The fountain and church are in Kritinia, while the castle is nearby; local history and the castle are related, but they are not in the same location. If you would like to focus mainly on the square and the village’s history, you can consider Kritinia itself when searching for a holiday apartment. The castle adds a separate point of historical interest in the surrounding area. For families, this distinction can be useful when planning together: would you rather explore the village name and the traces of its history in the village, or are you especially interested in the castle, its position on the rock and its history? This can help you decide which historical themes will shape your trip. When looking for a holiday apartment, your preferred cultural focus is a useful starting point for choosing a destination.

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