Administrative Region : Crete
Regional unit : Chania
Sirikari (Σηρικάριον ) Chania
Sirikari (officially: Sirikarion) is a village and the seat of the homonymous community of the municipality of Kissamos in the regional unit of Chania, Crete. It is located 55 km west of Chania and 17 km south of Kissamos. Sirikari differs from the other typical villages because it consists of 12 scattered neighborhoods (Kioliana, Micheliana, Kontokrithiana, Stratigianna, Megalo Chorio, Agios Ioannis, Katsikandariana, Tsichliana, Sineniana, Tzortziana, Kostogiannides and Marouliana or Felesiana). Micheliana and Marouliana or Felesiana are no longer inhabited. The name is said to derive from the Byzantine surname Sirikarios, which meant one who makes silk fabrics[1] or one who works with silk.[2]
See Community of Sirikario
History and population
The etymology of the name, together with the presence of the Byzantine church of the Holy Apostles, suggests the presence of a settlement with this name since the Byzantine era. The population of the village has fallen dramatically in recent decades and now consists of 132 residents (2001 census).[3]
Attractions
Chestnut forest
Sirikari has a large chestnut forest, characteristic of the area.[4] A small river flows through the forest, making it a beautiful landscape. The largest village festival (of the Virgin Mary) is held in the forest. Chestnuts are one of the important sources of the local agricultural economy.
Gorge
A beautiful gorge connects Sirikari with the ancient acropolis of Polyrhini. The trail is of moderate difficulty and is an activity recommended by travel guides and agents in the area.[5][6][7]
Agrotourism
Agrotourism is quite developed in the area. A few years ago, Milia, a neighboring abandoned village, was renovated and reopened as a guesthouse.[8]
Churches - Festivals
Sirikari has 12 churches scattered among its neighborhoods. The largest festival of the village, which is also one of the largest in the area, is that of Panagia, which is held every August 15th and attracts a large number of people from the surrounding areas. This festival takes place in the chestnut forest - making it a unique experience. Another major festival is that of the Holy Cross on 13 and 14 September.[9]
The church of the Holy Apostles was built in 1427.[10] It is one of the Byzantine churches in the area that is worth visiting.[4]
Notable Residents
Saint Nikephoros the Leper: saint
References
Spanakis, Stergios. Odyssey. p. 688.
Sirikarios Archived 2014-05-17 at the Wayback Machine. Archimedes Project
2001 Census Hellenic Statistical Authority
Sirikarí Archived 2012-01-18 at the Wayback Machine. Cretan Beaches
Sirikario Gorge Archived 2011-03-22 at the Wayback Machine. Discover on Foot
Sirikario Gorge - Polyrhinias Explore Crete
Sirikario Gorge - Polyrhinias Archived 2011-04-23 at the Wayback Machine. Greek Hotel
The history of Milia Archived 2012-03-11 at the Wayback Machine. Milia
Feast of the Holy Cross Newspaper New Horizons
Lassithiotakis, K. Churches of Western Crete. 1969, pp. 209-212.
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