Kallithea

What’s in a name? In the case of Kallithea, Heraklion, quite a bit. Kallithea, meaning “beautiful view,” was once a sparsely populated area east of the Knossos ruins. Imagine, in 1905, it was mainly shepherds and their flocks, a far cry from the bustling suburb it is today. Kallithea sits in the Katsamba river valley, on the slopes of Profitis Ilias hill. Its inhabitants cultivate vineyards and olive groves, a testament to the fertile Cretan land. Kallithea’s newest temple is dedicated to Prophet Elias. The area also boasts a kindergarten and primary school, signs of a thriving community. But Kallithea wasn’t always known by this idyllic name. Originally, it was called Metochi of Babalis, named after its Turkish owner. The 1920 census records this older name alongside a population of a mere 107 inhabitants. The current residents trace their roots back to the Plateau and the village of Gonies Pediados. In more recent decades, industry has found a foothold near Kallithea. Both a Henniger factory and an electronics factory have been established, marking a shift from its agricultural past. Within Kallithea’s municipal community lies Karteros, nestled in the valley of the same name. At a mere 15 meters above sea level, its residents also engage in viticulture and celebrate the church of Nikonos tou Metanoteis on November 26th. Another settlement, Prassas, sits higher up at 110 meters, also within the Karteros valley. Prassas, believed to derive its name from “prasa,” meaning nursery, celebrates the church of the Annunciation on March 25th. So, as you stand in Kallithea today, take a moment to appreciate the layers of history beneath your feet. From shepherds’ pastures to industrial hubs, from Turkish ownership to a thriving Greek community, Kallithea’s story is etched into the very landscape.