This present route’s destination is the area of Siva, Dafnés and Vlachianà. They are part of the greater Malevizi region (a name probably related to the castle above Keramoùtsi) with deep historical roots. Could the place-name ‘Siva’ be somehow linked to the Indian god Shiva? It is certain that the entire area is largely devoted to viniculture and also to the production of exquisite wine. The same is true of Dafnés, where wine celebrations are held every year for many days.
Palianì is a beautiful monastery overlooking the fertile valley. Palianì is considered one of the oldest monasteries on Crete. Right opposite the Palianì monastery, there is the rocky mound of Agios Nikolaos featuring numerous carvings, probably related to the Hellenistic citadel there. The hillside, south and to the west of the rocky basset where the chapel of St. Nicolaos is also located, was inhabited, according to the findings, since Minoan times. There is thick soil, suitable climate and also plenty of fresh running water on the hillside. All of the above constitute strong reasons to suggest self-sufficiency and permanent residence.
On a tablet with Creto-Mycenean scripture (KN 819) we find the following: qa-ra (Πάλλα), we-ke-i-ta, si-to etc. (Stelios Manolioudis, 2018, Dionysus). A decree voted at the town of Gortyna, dated to the 5th c. B.C. states that the town freely offers public land to private persons for cultivation: “«… τάν έμ Πάλαι (Πάλα) πυτιλιάν …» (Stefanos Gratseas, 2013, Το Βενεράτο και η περιοχή του [Venerato and its surroundings]). Some researchers find a connection between the word “πυτιλιάν” and the word “pu-te-ri-ja”, which appears on linear B tablets from Knossos. The word “pu-te-ri-ja” may refer to vineyard or fruit-tree plantations (Mandalaki, 2004, Κοινωνία και Οικονομία στην Κρήτη κατά την αρχαϊκή και την κλασική εποχή [Society and Economy in Crete during Archaic and Classical times]). In the area the place-name Apollo has also been recorded.
The location Kokkina Patitiria lies within a fenced area, at the end of the route from Veneráto towards the Palianì monastery. Three grape pressing vats and one rock-carved maggana [wine press] await us.
