Zakros

One of the most picturesque villages of Crete,Zakros , located 18.5 km away to Palaecastro . Has a population of 1,050 inhabitants , which main occupation is agriculture and especially olive production .

In the Venetian census of 1583 is not mentioned , but it is asserted that it was mentioned on maps of the area as Xacro. Seems to have been destroyed and abandoned after the Turkish invasions of 1471 and 1538 . Not mentioned in the Turkish of 1671 until 1880 .

The etymology of the name is unknown, but it is definitely pre-Greek name , did not seem to support the theory that some argue that the place name is related to Zakkarou , people who invaded Egypt in 130 p , C. century .

Ancient ruins were found in the sites Xerokampoulina , vines, Choiromandres , Anthropolithoi , Cuckoo Head , watchtowers, Skoulatsa , Taverns , Boats Vaklias and Pezoules head. Important also is the Minoan peak sanctuary in Traostalos .

On the road to Kato Zakros, just coming out of the village we find the remains of a Minoan villa you excavated by Professor N. Platon , in this winepress found a constructed with two containers and collector must. Also found pieces of murals with floral multicolored spectacles . The villa dates back to the Minoan era. An important finding is also a jar with signs Linear A.

Kato Zakros , a small coastal settlement, is the fourth largest Minoan palace in Crete , which brought to light in 1961, the great Greek archaeologist N. Platon . Located 7.5 km from Zakros , in a beautiful bay .

A short distance from the village of Zakros begins one of the most beautiful gorges of Crete, the Gorge of the Dead, as it is called , which results in Kato Zakros. The canyon is incomparable beauty and the sides of the huge caves. In these caves were discovered tombs from the Minoan period and finds of great archaeological value , which are kept in the Archaeological Mouseio of Sitia. For this reason it is named " Gorge of the Dead " and the caves " Caves of the Dead ."

The whole area has a rich vegetation due to the famous springs of the village from which the most important are able "Through Mill ", " Vigli ", " postponed " and " Palemilos ."

Currently residing in Kato Zakros few people who are engaged in agriculture and fishing. On the beach there are a few restaurants and cafes for visitors .