About Crete

Explore The Area

This region as a whole is rich with ancient history, most notably through the Minoan civilisation centred at Knossos east of Rethymno. Rethymno itself began a period of growth when the Venetian conquerors of the island decided to put an intermediate commercial station between Heraklion and Chania, acquiring its own bishop and nobility in the process. Today's old town (palia poli) was almost entirely built by the Republic of Venice. It is one of the best-preserved old towns in Crete.

From circa 1250 the city was the seat of the Latin Diocese of Retimo, which was renamed Retimo–Ario after the absorption in 1551 of the Diocese of Ario and as suppressed only after the Turkish conquest. The town still maintains its old aristocratic appearance, with its buildings dating from the 16th century, arched doorways, stone staircases, Byzantine and Hellenic-Roman remains, the small Venetian harbour and narrow streets.

 Although initially unsuccessful, the Germans won the battle after receiving reinforcements from Maleme in the Northwestern part of the island. Today the city's main income is from tourism, many new facilities having been built in the past 20 years. Agriculture is also notable, especially for olive oil and other Mediterranean products.The small Lake Orne is located in the area of ​​Katsouria, at an altitude of 300m at the southeastern foothills of Mount Kentros, just 500m northeast of the village of Orne in the province of Agios Vassiliou, at a distance from Rethymno about 50 km.

This small natural lake is formed in winter by the waters of the springs of the area that are transported from the snowy peaks of the Center. It is formed in a small depression of the land of about 10 acres, surrounded by olive groves. In summer the area dries up, exposing the soil.

The Lake is worth a visit in winter, when you can admire the many waterfalls of the Centre, taking a walk through the road that runs parallel to its cliffs and leads to Spili.

The village of Orne is a small village in the prefecture of Rethymnon, which is about 49 kilometers from Rethymno and almost 3 kilometers from the village of Krya Vrysis.

Orne is located in the southeastern foothills of Mount Kedros, and at an altitude of about 300 meters.

For the first time the village of Orne is mentioned as Ornea, in 1577, a nickname that seems to have been taken from a large wild fig tree that was in the settlement, while at the same time the locals add that its name indicates the existence of a fortress, thus saving memories of their battle with the Turks in the Kastellos area.

However, the village of Orne, according to local tradition, was founded by a small monastery, which was initially inhabited by a few nuns, and later their relatives and other families were added. Furthermore, it is claimed that the settlement was created by the amalgamation of the inhabitants of three neighbouring villages, who settled there to be able to tend their olives. Today, it counts only 11 permanent residents.

In the wider area of ​​the village of Orne, there has been evidence of intense activity since the Minoan era, and today some of the finds there are on display in the Archaeological Museum of Rethymnon.

Finally, during your visit to the Orne, don't forget to get lost among the five ruined settlements, but also make a stop at the lake of the same name.