Spili

Spili (Greek Σπήλι (n. sg. ) Outdated, even Spílion ) is a mountain village on the Greek island of Crete. It is situated 18 kilometers south of Rethymno, on the road from Rethymno Agia Galini, and belongs to the Regional District of Rethymno. The place has including the nearby hamlet outside the village Dariviana ( Δαριβιανά ) with 60 inhabitants 624 inhabitants. The place name derives from the Greek word Spili Spilio for, Cave ' from.

Description

Spili is the administrative seat of the municipality of Agios Vasilios, while the main town in the municipality of Lambi. In the village is a health center (rural micro - hospital), which is responsible for the health care of the community, the municipality and districts Lambi Finikas. Crete wide significance Spili as a bishop's seat with attached seminary, seat of the Metropolitan of Lambi and Sfakia, whose building of Saints Peter and Paul ( Άγιος Πέτρος και Παύλος ) are on the road to Rethymno on the western edge of the village.

Spili is located on a hill on the southwest slope of Kedros Mountains and is surrounded by greenery. High plane trees provide shade in the village and the famous, probably dating from the 16th century Venetian fountain in the center. From the 25 gargoyles in the form of lions' heads flows year-round cool potable water from the springs above the village. The water is well known to be particularly clean and rich in minerals and is also appreciated by locals. The former natural stone fountain was covered in 2006 backplane and trough catch with tiles.

Tourist significance Spili only as a destination for day trips by bus or as a starting point for hikes. Accordingly, there are relatively few homes, but many shops selling traditional woven and knitted goods to day trippers. Furthermore Spili has three churches, Agii Theodori, Metamorphosis tou Sotira and Agios Georgios, the murals represent the Damned.