The slope North – Northeast of Prinias has been, and still is, an important vineland, at an altitude of around 600m., with hydrophilic soil and place-names (like “Fantaxà”) that recall myths, legends and folklore of the people who used to inhabit this area. To the North, “the outstanding position of the elevation with the charasteristic place-name ‘Patéla’ (=without vegetation), on the western foothills of Psiloritis, offered its inhabitants full visual control of this central part of Crete, for many miles around. All along these paths numerous wine-making facilities had been carved (pressing vats, collectors, wine presses, etc), at places where water sources could be found commonly, fountains with ancient names” (Stelios Manolioudis, 2018, Dionysus).
Indeed, for more than a decade, the local Municipality, under surveillance of the Archaeology Department, has completed the reformation and marking of three paths, next to remains of important wine-making facilities.
The creation of these routes marked the beginning for the protection of these cultural monuments and local residents showed positive response.
