History
The Venetian occupation of the island ended in the 14th century when Ibraim Pasha, acting as Supreme General of the Ottoman Empire, took possession. For 400 consecutive years, Crete suffered the Turkish suppressive occupation. Contrary to the Venetian occupying forces, who promoted free language and religion, the Turks prohibited both. For the entire period of Turkish occupation Language was taught in Secret Schools and Religious rites were observed in small obscure Churches scattered in the mountains. When these Houses were under construction, a fascinating discovery was made.
An iron Christian Cross wrapped in a cloth was found within a wall as well as a number of Icons. These Icons are now, prominently displayed on the same wall in the House. Legends handed down through the generations have told us that on this site was a prominent Church dedicated to PROPHITIS ELIAS (the Prophet Eli), which had been constructed long before the Venetian period. It is probable that the Church being on the top of a hill overlooking Elounda/Elous, had served the Religious needs of the inhabitants of the region. The Church was burnt down and destroyed, by the Turks, at the beginning of the 15th century and was never reconstructed. A new, but smaller Church dedicated to PROPHITIS ELIAS, built in 1950, can be found just 50 metres away.
No engravings of the original Church have been found. The site came into the possession of the Mavrikakis family, who were the first to settle in the area, which in turn led to the village being named Mavrikiano.
Dear Guest,
You are indeed living in a Church and we trust that this will
be an unforgettable experience!
Description
The house is part of an old Church demolished by the Turks at the end of the 15th century, has been rebuilt using only stone and wood. Reverence and respect of the old structure has been exercised with the help of the local people and their stories.
Furniture and fittings are copies of original pieces presently exhibited in the Historical Museum of Crete in Heraklion.
The entrance to the Home leads to a small courtyard with an open sitting area and a complete summer kitchen. The door to the left leads into the main room with sitting area and two single beds. On the right is a fireplace, a single bed and the kitchen. At the back is a full sized bathroom with Jacuzzi. The wooden stairs to the right lead to the attic/loft area bedroom with double bed.
The House can accommodate 5 adults in the two rooms.
Location: The beach is located 10 minutes walk away and about the same for the village of
Elounda, about 1 kilometre.