The ancient city-state of Polyrrhenia lies 6 km south of Kissamos and is amphitheatrically built on a 418 m high hill, featuring a T-shaped acropolis. It was populated since prehistoric times and played a significant role up until the Roman Era. Its name means “one that is rich in sheep” but, according to historic sources, its dwellers, apart from being herders, were actively involved in military training and were skilful warriors. Findings prove the city was fortified, had Cyclopean walls and featured an effective water supply and drainage system.
The temple of Diktynna Artemis lied in the area that is nowadays called Chalkoklissa, over which the church of Holy Fathers was built in 1894 from the ruins of the former. Polyrrhenia was Kydonia’s rival – modern day Chania –, which accounts for not taking part in the war of Kydonians and Knossians against Romans. Following the victory of the latter, Polyrrhenia revelled in the privileges and benefits granted by Roman emperors such as various construction works. Proof of this is the statue of Metellus Pius, erected in the city, with its base surviving to this day.
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Culture
FOLKLORE CULTURE Folklore is a culture defined by its namesake: everything the people of a land say, do and act collectively and as a society. Folklore roots across the region of Kissamos are lost in the haze of time, back to Minoan Civilisation times. FOLK ART MUSIC Music and singing are strongly connected to all sides of everyday life for the inhabitants of the area. Traditional musical instruments of Kissamos are the lute and violin, instead of the lyre found in other regions. Locals have dubbed them ‘zygia’ and they are a vital part of days-long celebrations of joyous events like weddings, fairs, engagements, christenings and more. The dancing activities of the people of Kissamos is abundant too, who stomp…
Gastronomy
THE KISSAMOS DIET Kissamos locals, as do all Cretans, are traditionally gourmand and enjoy good, quality food. Their land’s trademark produce is the cornerstone of Mediterranean Diet. Local cuisine is, at its foundation, indigenous and the rule of thumb is the use of olive oil on every dish, with tomato and oregano assuming starring roles. The dietary habits of today’s locals are close to those in ancient times, something that is documented by inscriptions on Linear B tablets regarding cheese, olive oil, honey, wine, herbs and spices, meats and grain. Its basic features are simplicity, sparsity, making use of local and seasonal produce, all cooked with imaginative variation. OLIVE OIL No matter where you land on Crete, be it high…
