The cave church of Saint Anthony and two festivals celebrated annually give Vasilies a distinct cultural focus. They offer different points of reference for planning your trip: a place worth visiting on the edge of the village and festival dates in January and June. If you plan your stay around one of the festivals, check the current program before you travel.
The Cave Church on the Edge of Vasilies
On the edge of Vasilies, on the northern foothills of Mount Juktas, lies the cave church of Saint Anthony. It is shaped like a catacomb and is considered worth visiting. Its location and architectural form make it a tangible focus for exploring the local culture: the name of Saint Anthony, the church’s distinctive form, and its location on the edge of the village come together here. The church can therefore be included as a distinct cultural highlight when considering Vasilies, without equating it with the sights of the city of Heraklion.
Festivals in January and June
The cultural association of Vasilies holds a two-day festival every year on the eve of January 17 and on January 17 itself. January 17 is the feast day of the patron saint, Saint Anthony. Another annual event is the traditional Klidonas Festival on June 24, also organized by the cultural association. The two local festival occasions thus fall at two distinct times of the year: mid-January and June 24. If a festival is important to your travel plans, confirm the specific dates in advance.
Culture in the wider destination of Heraklion
Heraklion also offers its own cultural program. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum displays representative evidence of Crete’s prehistoric and early history, as well as its history. Its time span extends from the Neolithic period to Roman times. The Historical Museum of Crete complements this perspective with two paintings by El Greco, from 1569 and 1570; they are the artist’s only works on Crete. The museum also has a dedicated collection of personal belongings and manuscripts belonging to the Cretan writer Nikos Kazantzakis. Archaeological collections, painting, and literary history thus offer distinct cultural themes.
Heraklion’s buildings offer further historical perspectives. The Venetians built Koules Fortress to protect the pier and harbor. The Loggia is a Venetian building dating from the 16th century. The Basilica of San Marco now houses the municipal art gallery, where art and crafts exhibitions are held; the program may change. The Basilica of Agia Ekaterini was built in 1555 and was home in the 16th and 17th centuries to a renowned school for painters and writers. Agios Minas is dedicated to Heraklion’s patron saint and is one of the largest churches in Greece.
To take in views of Heraklion from within the city, visitors can walk along the city walls and enjoy the scenery. The pedestrian-only 25 August Street runs between the Old Harbor and Lion Square. Check the current access and use conditions before visiting.
Rural Heraklion: Landscape, Trails, and Cuisine
Vineyards and olive groves are part of the landscape in the rural area of the Municipality of Heraklion. The villages preserve features of Cretan architecture and each has its own historical heritage. Activities highlighted by the municipality include trails for hiking, cycling, and driving, as well as opportunities for climbing and caving, and forest trails. These are different options to consider when planning; conditions on individual trails and at specific locations may change.
Regional cuisine can also be a focus in its own right: in the rural area of the Municipality of Heraklion, there are traditional eateries serving dishes prepared with fresh local produce. As individual businesses and offerings may change, it is worth checking the current options before dining. For museum enthusiasts, the Natural History Museum of Crete offers a change of subject, with the Enceladus earthquake simulator, as well as interactive exhibitions and games for children and adults. Exhibitions may also change.
Discover more destinations: Vorizia, Rodia, Arvi, Psari Forada, Ano Viannos, Vathianos Kampos, Arkalochori, Mires.
For the wider travel overview: Heraklion.
