Komos - History by the sea

Komos is a largely unspoiled stretch of sand, mainly because it's development is hampered by a large archeological site

Komos was a Minoan port serving the nearby settlements of Faistos and Gorton

It had large buildings and temples as well as the usual buildings associated with a port

It was a large settlement

The nearby beach is long and sandy, with a couple of small tavernas on the Matala side

The site is not currently open to the public unfortunately

Elephants in Stylos?

There has been a very interesting update on this article regarding the fossil in October's Apokoronas Environment and Nature News. Many thanks to Bob Scott who followed it up. To read about the latest findings please look HERE


A good clue for a treasure hunt - The baby elephant as old as the hills meets St.John.

Any takers?

The clue is in the title.

A secret cave- no!

Hmm - definitely Crete

Knossos? 

No!

A village? Getting closer.

An old church - Yes, St. John the Theologian at Stylos. A byzantine church built dating from the 13/14/15 centuries - a complex of three old churches will the remains of early frescos on the walls. Inside and outside the walls remains were found dating as far back as Minoan times.

 So what about the elephant? you may ask

In the churchyard you can see the fossilized remains of a Dwarf elephant- Palaeoloxodon chaniensis- Another was found in the "Elephant cave" now underwater at Kokkino Horio

The backbone and ribs can be seen clearly.

An old, but comparatively young, olive tree overlooks the fossil

Inside the church are frescos from the 14/15 century

How many times have you driven by without noticing?

A visit to Stylos

Have you visited the pretty village of Stylos?

The village of Stylos in Apokoronas is situated between Neo Horio and Kalyves

The village springs ensure that there is a good amount of groundwater and the river Koiliaris runs through. This means that the village is blessed with trees - mostly Plane trees, some of which are huge and very old. Stylos was important as far back as Minoan times - but that is another story for another day! Stylos also has a bottling plant from where much of the bottled water in the area comes.

Cool and shade in the heat of the day

Did you know that Stylos had a small amphitheatre?

The river bed is pretty dry, but a few springs are still bubbling up

Bridge over the dry river bed

There are several tavernas where you can sit and enjoy the peace - and look at the size of that tree! How old is it I wonder?

Near the bottling factory the river is still deep  and clear

Outside the village is a little grove with the chapel of St John once again surrounded by plane trees and orange groves

As is often the case, there is an advertisement for a musical event high up on a tree.

Then on to the Byzantine church of "Panagia - the Serviotissa"

Built in the late 11 century by monks from Patmos

Intricate detail

The interior is unspoiled 

The church is in amongst the orange groves and has stunning views