“Among the newer monuments” it was written. But what story does Agios Ioannis Prodromos hold? This church, also known as Saint John the Baptist, stands out near Karteros.
Karteros itself is a seaside tourist settlement. It lies at the foot of Mesovouni hill. The area is divided into two beaches. Locals call them Karteros and Amnisos. In reality, it is one long beach.
Long ago, this area was a city with a port. It served Knossos during the Minoan reign. The ancient city of Amnisos was inhabited for centuries. This was from the Middle Ages to Roman times. Homer mentioned it in his accounts. Clay plates of Linear B confirmed this. King Idomeneas started the Trojan War from here. Odysseus stopped here on his return from Troy.
Excavations began in 1929. Spiros Marinatos led them. Many important archaeological discoveries came to light. The Villa of Lilies was one. It was named after a fresco of lilies. Today, it is exhibited at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. The villa was inhabited again during the Venetian occupation. On Mesovouni hill, Venetian house remains existed. They were destroyed at the beginning of the Ottoman domination.
In 1932, Marinatos discovered an open-air sanctuary. It dated to the 6th century. It was dedicated to Zeus Thenatas. Remains of the Minoan port were found on the coast. Today, it is submerged in the sea.
Agios Ioannis Prodromos stands among these layers of history. It is close to the Riding Academy of Heraklion. The Gorge of Karteros River ends in Mesa Karteros. The hiking route is relatively easy.
The church of Agios Ioannis Prodromos offers a quieter contrast. Consider visiting this house of faith after soaking in the sun. Reflect on the layers of history beneath your feet. From Minoan kings to Venetian houses. From ancient ports to Byzantine churches. Karteros holds stories within stories.