Sirikari

History and population

The settlement is mentioned in three Venetian census reports. The name's etymology along with the presence of a Byzantine church (Aghioi Apostoloi), suggest that a settlement with the same name has been in the area since Byzantine times. The village saw its population drop dramatically over the past decades and now comprises 132 people (2001 census).

Attractions

Chestnut forest

Sirikari has a big chestnut forest which is typical of the region. There is also a small river that runs through it which makes it a very nice scenery. The biggest annual festival (paniyiri) is held in this chestnut forest. Chestnuts are one of the main sources of the local agricultural economy.

Sirikari - Polyrrhenia Gorge

A beautiful gorge exists between Sirikari and the ancient acropolis of Polyrrhenia. A moderate path runs the gorge and it is an activity suggested by travel guides and local agents.

Agrotourism

Agrotourism is well established in the area. A few years ago, Milia (), a nearby abandoned village, was refurbished and opened as an eco-friendly inn.

Churches - Paniyiria

Villages in Greece have many small scattered churches and Sirikari is no exception. Each church holds an annual festive liturgy on the day of the saint's name celebration. After the liturgy, a paniyiri is held which involves live music, dancing and much food and wine. The biggest paniyiri in the area is Panagia's which is held on the 15th of August every year and draws crowds from the surrounding areas and villages. The paniyiri is held in the chestnut forest. Another very well known paniyiri is the Holy Cross one held on the 13th and 14 September every year.

The church of Aghioi Apostoloi was built in 1427. It is one of the Byzantine churches of the area worth visiting.

References

References

1. "Population & housing census 2001 (incl. area and average elevation)". National Statistical Service of Greece.
2. Spanakis, Stergios. ''Οδύσσεια''. p. 688.
3. [http://archimedes.fas.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/dict?name=lsj&lang=el&word=shrika%2Frios&filter=CUTF8 Σηρικάριος] Archimedes Project
4. [https://web.archive.org/web/20060613233859/http://www.statistics.gr/gr_tables/S1100_SAP_1_monimos2001.htm 2001 Census] Hellenic Statistical Authority
5. [http://www.cretanbeaches.com/hrisimes-plir%CE%BFf%CE%BFries/dasi/kastanodasos-sirikari Sirikari] Cretan Beaches
6. [http://www.discoveronfoot.com/level3pages.php?f=discoveronfoot&pageid=15244 Sirikari Gorge] Discover on Foot
7. [http://www.explorecrete.com/hiking/EN-Polyrrinia-gorge-Sirikari.html Sirikari or Polyrrinia Gorge] Explore Crete
8. [http://www.greekhotel.com/crete/chania/chania-sightseeing/sirikari-gorge.htm Sirikari or Polyrrinia Gorge] Greek Hotel
9. [http://www.milia.gr/EN/page8/page8.html Milia History] Milia
10. [https://neoiorizontes-press.blogspot.com/2011/09/blog-post_6038.html Paniyiri Timiou Stavrou] Neoi Orizontes Newspaper
11. Lasithiotakis, K. ''Εκκλησίες της Δυτικής Κρήτης''. 1969, p. 209-212.