History
The traces of human presence and activity in Amari date back from the Neolithic Age (6,000 BC) and findings of this period were discovered in various excavations throughout the municipality. In the northern part of the valley of Amari, Veni dominates. Traces of archaeological remains dating back from the Late Minoan up to Venetian times have been revealed on its plateau.
Ancient Syvritos was one of the oldest and most important cities of western Crete having the hill “Kefalas” in the village Thronos as residential center. There is a Minoan palace of the Old Palace period (2000 – 1700 BC) in the site ”Kokkinos Charakas” in Monastiraki village. A large number of jars, fine Camaraic vessels, seals etc. has been revealed, from which we derive important information about the administrative organization of the society. In the area of Apodoulou village one of the most important old palace complexes of central Crete has been excavated.
Generally the area of Amari from the Minoan period was the natural exit and passage from the south coast of Crete and the fertile plain of Messara towards the northern and western parts of the island. Traces of this Minoan route are stations and places that have been unearthed from the excavations.
In the tranquil landscape of Amari, with the unparalleled beauty, we encounter at every point scattered small arch-covered Byzantine churches with rich interior decoration and well-preserved frescoes that confirm the region’s development in the years following the Greek antiquity and Byzantium.
The value of Byzantine monuments of Amari is not only related with their large number compared with other regions, but especially with their architecture, decoration and artistic expression. The wealth and the high level of art influenced by the Byzantine art, is reflected in many temples with their hagiographies and their elaborate carved temples so impressively that they show both` the history and the great piety of the residents.
Traditional settlements retain its old prestige. Architectural elements are combined harmonically with space and time and give special value. People are decent, hardworking, hospitable, and guardians of cultural heritage who preserve the local traditions. In Amari, there are people who love very much their homeland, farmers who patiently cultivate their land, shepherds who tirelessly move with their herds in the mountains and produce the almost biologic, of high quality and high nutritional value products (olive oil, dairy products and meat, cherries, apples, pears, vegetables, etc.).
