Roussospiti is a local community of the Rethymno Municipality in the Rethymno (regional unit) of the region of Crete established by Kallikratis reform. Previously, it was part of the former municipality of Rethymno. It is a traditional settlement and is classified in Class II, that is of average cultural value (Government Gazette 728/21-9-1995).[2]
Roussospiti
Ρουσσοσπίτι | |
|---|---|
  Roussospiti | |
| Coordinates: 35°20′N 24°29′E / 35.333°N 24.483°E | |
| Country | Greece |
| Administrative region | Crete |
| Regional unit | Rethymno |
| Municipality | Rethymno |
| Municipal unit | Rethymno |
| Area | |
| • Community | 6.840 km2 (2.641 sq mi) |
| Population (2021)[1] | |
| • Community | 536 |
| • Density | 78/km2 (200/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (EET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+3 (EEST) |
| Postal code | 74100 |
| Area code(s) | 28310 |
| Vehicle registration | ΡΕ |
Geography, origin of name, history
editIt is located 9 km southeast of Rethymno at an altitude of 300 meters,[3] built in the 12th century by Venetians, as evidenced by the Venetian buildings in the village (arches, gates, fountain). At that time, a house ("spiti", in Greek) was built in the village, and this was called "Russo", i.e. red (russo+spiti=red house), and the village took its name after that. Others say that a Russian (Roussa) woman had built a house in the village, and that could be the origin of its name (the house of the Russian =roussospiti). 157 inhabitants were recorded in 1583. Later on, it was occupied by the Ottomans.[4] The village lies on the slope of Vrisinas at an altitude of 300 meters. Apart from many Venetian houses, there is also a fountain of the 17th century and the church of Virgin Mary in this settlement. You can enjoy magnificent sea view (to the north)[5]
- Population of Roussospiti[6]
| 1913 | 1920 | 1928 | 1940 | 1951 | 1961 | 1971 | 1981 | 1991 | 2001 | 2011 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 372 | 400 | 358 | 358 | 353 | 272 | 195 | 174 | 257 | 374 | 569 | 536 |
Attractions: Monuments, Temples, important buildings
editThe Virgin Mary is a small one-room church, like most churches of Crete. Built in the early 14th century. The Christ of the Crucifixion is one of the best preserved frescoes of the church and one of the most dynamic forms of Cretan art.
The Fountain of Roussospiti: It dates back to the 17th century. Gerola described it as "graceful", a characterisation, which, on a closer look, one must agree with. The spout has the shape of a lion's head.[7]
Monastery of Aghia Irini (Saint Eirene), is situated near Roussospiti. This very old monastery is considered to date back to the 14th century. After restoration works were started in 1989, the monastery was given new life due to the eager activities of the nuns.[8][9] There is an ecclesiastical museum in the Monastery area, called Holy Trinity Ecclesiastical Museum of Agia Irini.[10]
Miscellaneous
editThe village celebrates Agia Paraskevi's name day (26 July)
See also
editExternal links
editReferences
edit- ^ "Αποτελέσματα Απογραφής Πληθυσμού - Κατοικιών 2021, Μόνιμος Πληθυσμός κατά οικισμό" [Results of the 2021 Population - Housing Census, Permanent population by settlement] (in Greek). Hellenic Statistical Authority. 29 March 2024.
- ^ Antonogiannakis Michael, The Vrisinas, The Mount Rethemnous, topographic, geographic, historical, social and folkloric perspective, Athens 2010 (in greek), p 382
- ^ Papyrus Larousse Britannica, Athens, 1996
- ^ "Ottoman Settlements - Rouso spiti". Institute for Mediterranean Studies, Digital Crete. Archived from the original on 21 May 2014. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
- ^ Presentation and pictures of Roussospiti at Web site of Rethymno municipality (in greek) Archived 2011-08-02 at the Wayback Machine retrieved at 11 April 2012
- ^ Hellenic Statistical Authority, Digital Library (ELSAT), Census (Greek and English)
- ^ "Public Buildings, Roussospiti Fountain". Tourism Promotion Committee of Rethymno Prefecture. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
- ^ "Monastery of Agia Irini". Tourism Promotion Committee of Rethymno Prefecture. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
- ^ "Ottoman Settlements - Agia Eirene". Institute for Mediterranean Studies, Digital Crete. Archived from the original on 29 April 2015. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
- ^ "Museums of Crete - Holy Trinity Ecclesiastical Museum of Saint Irini". Institute for Mediterranean Studies, Digital Crete. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 11 April 2012.