Vafés: History and Architecture

Vafés Between the Mountains and Village History

Vafés lies at an elevation of 210 meters at the foot of the White Mountains, southwest of Vrises. Paved stone lanes and buildings with Venetian architecture define the village. If you are looking for a hotel in Vafés, architectural history, religious architecture, or an activity centered on Cretan cuisine may play a role in planning your trip. The protected historic settlement was designated under Government Gazette 1072/1997.

Homes and Historic Architectural Forms

Buildings visitors can tour include the home of Emmanuel Skordylis, dating from 1745. There are also several houses dating from the early period of Ottoman rule. Vaulted buildings attributed to the Janissary Ibrahim Alidakis offer a different architectural impression; visitors can tour these, too. The attribution is part of their description and does not establish their authorship with certainty.

A small collection of 18th-century icons is housed in two old stone-vaulted storerooms. The village priest assembled the collection. The old school in Vafés serves as a museum. Together with the homes and buildings featuring Venetian architecture, these structures give the village a range of historical associations, without implying that they were all built in the same period.

Churches and Sacred Architecture

Visitors can tour the 15th-century Church of the Holy Asomates. It is distinct from the Chapel of the Holy Assomates, which is part of Vafés’ religious and cultural heritage. The Cathedral of the Holy Apostles, with its gilded iconostasis and domes, also stands in the center. The Church of Saint John the Baptist has a Venetian bell dating from 1581. These buildings combine different forms of sacred architecture, each with its own features.

The two-aisled Temple of Christ is also among the sights visitors can tour in Vafés. Its two aisles are a specific architectural feature that distinguishes it from churches with domes or a particularly prominent iconostasis. For those interested in historic buildings, the village offers several different points of interest rather than focusing on just one building.

Memorial Sites and Other Sights

A monument in the center commemorates battles in which local residents took part during the 19th and 20th centuries. Other places visitors can tour include the old olive mill and the bridge over the Boutakas River. Alongside the homes and churches, these buildings represent other aspects of the village: the monument evokes the memory of historic battles, while the mill and bridge are distinct sights in their own right.

An Activity Featuring Cretan Cuisine

At Arevitis Farm in the traditional village of Vafés, visitors can prepare traditional Cretan recipes using ingredients from the farm. These include handmade pasta and kalitsounia. The activity offers a hands-on introduction to regional cuisine and differs from touring historic buildings. Farm visits are by appointment only, so plan this activity accordingly.

Discover more destinations: Marediana, Kournas, Kissamos, Kares, Agii Apostoli, Drapanias, Plaka, Vatolakkos.

For the wider travel overview: Chania.