Gonia: Local History and Religious Traditions

For your trip planning, these topics can be arranged chronologically—from mentions of Gonia in historical records to events during the Ottoman period. In the wider destination of Rethymno, the old town and museums add their own cultural and historical themes.

Main Parish Church and Icon Tradition

The main parish church of Gonia is dedicated to Saint John the Theologian and was renovated in 1887. Another figure of John is associated with a local tradition: according to the story, the icon of Saint John the Baptist was among the original icons hidden to save them from destruction by the Turks. One of them, the icon of the Baptist, was later found, restored and placed in the church. The church’s dedication and the icon’s history therefore refer to different saints named John.

Another local tradition concerns the Monastery of Agia Anastasia, near Gonia. A large bell and other valuable religious objects are said to have been hidden in a well there; they were never found. This story concerns the monastery, not the main parish church, and is separate from the story of the icon.

Historical Names and Events

Gonia appears under several names in historical records. Francesco Barozzi mentioned the place in 1577 as Gognamici. In the Venetian census of 1583, it is listed as Gogna, with 121 inhabitants; Francesco Basilicata called it Micigogna in 1630. The population figure of 121 belongs to the 1583 entry, not to the other two mentions.

During the Ottoman period, Gonia was a center of revolutionary activity. Three episodes of destruction are associated with this role: Ottoman forces burned the village in 1770, 1821 and 1866. The nearby monasteries of Agia Eirini and Agia Anastasia date from the late 15th century. The Ottomans destroyed them because they supported Cretan rebels.

Rethymno as the Wider Context

In the wider destination of Rethymno, the old town provides a distinct historical perspective. It is designated a protected historic monument and a traditional settlement. Its urban layout took shape during the Venetian period and was later altered under Turkish rule; the historic city center lies below the Venetian Fortezza fortress. While Gonia’s history is brought to life through local traditions, its church and historical mentions, the focus in Rethymno’s old town is on its urban layout and location below the Fortezza.

The museums in Rethymno add to this perspective. Since 1991, the Archaeological Museum has been housed in a pentagonal building in front of the Fortezza’s main entrance. Its exhibitions cover the history of the prefecture from the Neolithic period to Roman times. The Historical and Folklore Museum is housed in a 17th-century Venetian mansion; its permanent exhibition displays traditional crafts and folk art across five rooms. Thus, Gonia focuses on specific local traditions and historical records, while Rethymno offers urban history as well as archaeological and ethnographic museum themes.

Discover more destinations: Nithafri, Argiroupoli, Melissourgaki Geropotamos, Perama, Somatas, Margarites, Petres, Damnoni.

For the wider travel overview: Rethymno.