Roussa Ekklisia can be explored through various traces of its history. A mountaintop sanctuary was discovered at Anoixi; the ruins of an ancient settlement came to light at Logokefalo, and the remains of an acropolis with walls and towers are located near Kastri. There is also a historic fountain in the village square, which has been protected as a monument worthy of preservation. Georoute 23 offers a point of reference in the surrounding area: it begins in Sitia, passes the archaeological site of Petras and follows the provincial road towards the settlement. Roussa Ekklisia thus combines a cultural and historical focus with a way to orient yourself along the route.

Georoute 23 and finding your way

For Georoute 23, the sequence of places is important for understanding the route: it begins in Sitia, passes the archaeological site of Petras and follows the provincial road towards Roussa Ekklisia. Sitia is therefore the starting point; Petras lies along the route, which continues towards the settlement. This orientation distinguishes the Georoute from the archaeological sites in the village. It describes a route, whereas the references to Anoixi, Logokefalo and Kastri point to specific historical remains. Those who first look for geographical context when choosing a destination will find a different way in than those whose interest lies in the finds and ruins. The route and the history of the settlement are two distinct perspectives on Roussa Ekklisia.

Archaeological remains at Anoixi, Logokefalo and Kastri

A mountaintop sanctuary with numerous finds from the Archaic and Daedalic periods was discovered at Anoixi in Roussa Ekklisia. The finds include vessels, lamps and relief slabs. At Anoixi, both the sanctuary and the range of finds are therefore of interest. The ruins of an ancient settlement were discovered at Logokefalo; the ruins of an acropolis with walls and towers are located at Kastri. These three sites are distinct in nature: a sanctuary with finds, the remains of an ancient settlement, and an acropolis. For travellers interested in cultural history, these details make the subject more tangible than the general question of ancient history. Those mainly interested in artefacts will have a different focus from those more intrigued by settlement remains or the walls and towers of an acropolis. The Archaic and Daedalic dating applies to the finds at Anoixi and gives this discovery its own chronological context.

The historic fountain in the village square

The historic fountain in the village square offers a different perspective from the archaeological sites. It has been protected as a monument worthy of preservation and brings the theme of historical heritage into the village square of Roussa Ekklisia. For travellers interested not only in archaeological remains but also in a place’s built heritage, this offers a distinct perspective. The fountain adds a protected monument in the village to the historical themes. The cultural and historical picture of Roussa Ekklisia thus includes finds and ruins as well as the fountain in the village square.

When planning your trip, you can first choose between two thematic approaches: the Georoute as a geographical route, and the history of the settlement, including its archaeological remains and fountain. Roussa Ekklisia is therefore clearly suited above all to those with an interest in cultural history; the route adds geographical context to the surrounding area.

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For the broader travel overview: Lasithi.