Gallos near Rethymno: History and Orientation

Gállos lies at an altitude of 200 metres, 4.5 kilometres southwest of the city of Rethymno. Its local character is shaped by Venetian records of its name, the parish church of Panagia Gállou, and the Feast of Panagia Galou. The Gálliano Gorge lies east of Gállos; the Metochion of Saints Peter and Paul is also near the village. The wider destination of Rethymno offers additional urban, museum, and landscape themes, distinct from those of Gállos.

History, Church, and Feast in Gállos

Venetian inscriptions from the 16th and 17th centuries refer to Gállos by the name GALOU. The parish church of Panagia Gállou houses an icon of Christ enthroned, as well as other icons from the 18th century. The Feast of Panagia Galou in Gállos is celebrated on 15 August. These three points of interest offer different perspectives: the historical form of the name, sacred art, and a fixed date in the annual calendar. If you would like to plan your trip around the feast, check the specific event details in advance.

The Gorge and Metochion Nearby

The Gálliano Gorge lies east of Gállos and is characterised by dense vegetation and rare fauna. This natural feature is distinct from the village’s religious and historical themes. The Metochion of Saints Peter and Paul, a metochion belonging to the historic Arkadi Monastery, is also near Gállos. It was restored in the early 1990s. The surrounding area thus brings together a landscape with its natural features and a historic monastic connection.

Old Town and Museums in the Wider Destination of Rethymno

The Old Town is a distinct historical focus within the wider destination of Rethymno. It is designated a protected historic monument and traditional settlement. Its urban layout took shape during the Venetian period and was later modified under Turkish rule. The historic city centre lies below the Venetian Fortezza fortress. Its protected status, historical development, and location below the fortress give this part of Rethymno a character of its own.

The museums in Rethymno also cover different subjects. Since 1991, the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno has been housed in a pentagonal building in front of the Fortezza’s main entrance. Its exhibitions present the history of the prefecture from the Neolithic period to Roman times. The Historical and Folklore Museum of Rethymno is housed in a Venetian mansion dating from the 17th century. Five rooms in its permanent exhibition showcase traditional crafts and folk art. Together, they cover a long archaeological timespan, as well as the subjects of crafts and folk art.

Coast and Events in Rethymno

The coast of the Municipality of Rethymno is characterised by a beautiful sandy beach and includes the Venetian harbour. Rethymno Beach is twelve kilometres long, starting at the historic city centre and extending eastwards to Scaleta. Its sand is fine-grained and light brown. The wider regional context therefore includes a clearly defined coastal landscape alongside its historical and museum themes.

The event calendar for the wider destination of Rethymno includes the Renaissance Festival and Carnival. The Renaissance Festival takes place every summer, with music, theatre, and dance performances, as well as art exhibitions. The Rethymno Carnival is a traditional event featuring a parade organised by volunteers each year.

Discover more destinations: Platanos, Akoumia, Koxare, Kato Rodakino, Platanés, Bali, Melidoni, Karoti.

View the wider travel guide: Rethymno.