Episkopi Siteias.
Erimoupolis. Ancient Itanos.
CRETE
290
516. Episkopi Siteias, Aghioi Apostoloi (Επισκοπή Σητείας, Άγιοι
Απόστολοι)
516.
Episkopi Siteias.
The see of Siteia was transferred to the small settlements of
Ano and Kato Episkopi in the second Byzantine period, and
maintained in the years of Venetian rule. At Kato Episkopi is
found the domed, single-nave Mid-Byzantine church of Aghioi
Apostoloi. Originally a bath, the church is possibly associated
with the episcopal church, which does not survive. At Ano
Episkopi the cathedral of Saint John was built as the three-
aisled, barrel-vaulted basilica type, mostly dating to the pe-
riod of Venetian rule. In the W section Mid-Byzantine remnants
remain, from when the church was possibly three-aisled and
timber-roofed. Above the main entrance remains the coat of
arms of Gaspare Viviani, Latin bishop of Siteia, who must have
been responsible for the reconstruction of the church.
517.
Krya.
The fortress Monteforte, or Apano Kasteli (as local inhabitants
call it), was built on a naturally fortified hill E of the village of
Epano Krya. It was first mentioned in 1303 when it was seri-
ously damaged by earthquake. It was reported by Proveditore
Foscarini in 1579 that the fortress, which was considered to
be useful due to its position, needed repairs. The hill is almost
circular and with only two access points, and has been partly
fortified with a wall. The main entrance is in the N and is pro-
tected with a tower. Within the fortress survive are structural
remains, a large cistern and a single-nave church. It was prob-
ably built in the second Byzantine period.
518.
Gras.
On a hill N of Gras (today Aghios Stephanos) at Siteia stands
the Kastelos fortress. The hill is steep and provides only one
smooth access point, in the S. In the interior are scattered
structures and pottery. The strategic position of the fortress,
possibly built in the first Byzantine period and used through
the second Byzantine period, controlled the coast of Makrys
Yialos, the road between Siteia and Hierapetra and had visual
contact with the fortresses at Mesokastela.
519.
Monastery of Panagia Akrotiriani (Toplou).
This fortified monastic complex is one of a kind in Crete and
dates from the period of Venetian occupation. The original
nave of the catholicon features wall-painted decoration of the
14th c., mainly with scenes of the life of the Virgin Mary. A
remarkable collection of Byzantine and Post-Byzantine icons
and incunables is exhibited at the monastery.
520.
Erimoupolis. Ancient Itanos.
The ruins of two Early Christian, timber-roofed basilicas sur-
vive: one is within the ancient city of Itanos and features
conches at the sides of the nave, and the other further S with
remains of a mosaic floor.
