Chania Gavalochori

General information

Located about 26 kilometers southeast of Chania Town, Gavalochori is one of the most picturesque settlements in the area of Apokoronas. The village seems untouched by tourism, having retained its traditional architecture and authentic character.

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Gavalochori has been named after a Byzantine noble family that used to rule the area. However, a number of double-bitted axes, pieces of pottery, coins and other objects found in the area indicate that it has been inhabited since the Minoan times. The foundations of Mycenean residences and water tanks have also been excavated, as have some Roman tombs. During the Venetian era, Gavalochori became a notable socioeconomic center, and architectural samples of that period have survived to this day.

Built on a location of great natural beauty, the village has been declared a listed historical settlement on account of its folk architecture, which has remained largely unaffected by modern additions. Many of the houses are 300 or even 500 years old and have been constructed out of stone, mud, and wood. Strolling around the village, you will see beautifully paved streets, stone arches, flowered gardens and 12 lovely churches, the oldest of which was constructed in 1200 AD. Two of the most well-known ones are the church of the Virgin Mary and that of Agios Sergios.