Myli, Rethymno

The Myli Gorge (Greek φαράγγι των μύλων, Gorge of the mills ) is a running from south to north canyon in the north of Crete. It is located south-east of Rethymno and had since the time of Venetian rule in Crete numerous water mills. Their remains are now a document of pre-industrial agricultural processes. In the gorge, there are numerous, some rare plants and animals.

Location

The canyon is located about 4 kilometers south-east of Rethymno and is about four kilometers long. Significant places are Chromonastiri and Myli (Greek Μύλοι ). Built up the gorge is by a footpath along the mill stream, which rises on the northern slope of the 811 meter high mountain Angali. As a base for exploring the gorge can serve a reachable only on foot tavern in the village of Pano Myli, which also holds information on the history of the area.

Special

In the gorge the remains of numerous complex built buildings, bridges and canals for water mills are seen, which are in the 16th century during the Venetian rule in Crete, arose and partly to the 1970s were in operation. There were mainly grain mills that processed the crops in the area of wheat. One of the mills has been restored and is open as a museum. In the 1960s, the population left the old village of Kato Myli, to settle at new traffic favorable site ( Nei Myli ). The gorge is now a popular destination for tourists.