Hill, sea, and cityscape
At an elevation of about 200 metres, Mikro Metochi lies above the pine-covered Evliya Hill. From the settlement, views extend across the sea and cityscape. Its elevated position and views give the area a distinctive landscape character. If you are choosing somewhere to stay based on landscape and cultural history, these features offer a concrete point of reference.
Ottoman history and place names
Mikro Metochi is designated a traditional settlement of high cultural value. The area's history is closely connected with Crete's Ottoman period. At that time, the area had konakia and agricultural estates belonging to Muslim officials. This designation links the settlement's status with the area's historical use, which was shaped by mansions and agricultural estates.
The name Mikro Metochi derives from the Ottoman mansion of Risvan Bey, which dominated the area. The place is also known as Risvan or Irfan Metochi; “irfan” means “small” in Turkish.
In the destination's immediate vicinity, an Orthodox church that was formerly Catholic stands in the courtyard of the Konaki of Irfan Bey. Mikro Metochi is also home to the small church of Agia Marina, right in the middle of the road, with cars passing it on both sides. The church in the Konaki is notable for its former Catholic status, while Agia Marina stands out for its striking position in the road.
Rethymno as a regional cultural setting
In the wider destination of Rethymno, the Old Town is designated a protected historic monument and a traditional settlement. Its urban layout took shape during the Venetian period and was later altered during Turkish rule. The historic city centre lies below the Venetian Fortezza fortress. The protected designation and the altered urban layout reveal two distinct aspects of Rethymno's historic heritage.
The museums in Rethymno add different periods and themes to this urban perspective. Since 1991, the Archaeological Museum has been housed in a pentagonal building in front of the Fortezza's main entrance; its exhibitions present the history of the prefecture from the Neolithic period to Roman times. The Historical and Folklore Museum is housed in a 17th-century Venetian mansion; its permanent exhibition displays traditional crafts and folk art in five rooms. For cultural discovery, this means different ways to explore the area: archaeological history, crafts, and folk art.
The Rethymno Renaissance Festival takes place every summer, with music, theatre, and dance performances, as well as art exhibitions. As a seasonal complement to the museums, it brings the performing arts into the regional cultural setting. Check the specific dates for your travel period.
Discover more destinations: Nithafri, Platanés, Agia Fotini, Bali, Myrthios, Stavromenos, Episkopi, Chromonastiri
Go to the wider travel overview: Rethymno.
