Spili – Routes, Springs and Cultural History

Spili offers several clearly distinguishable topics to help you plan your trip: named routes, cultural buildings and the history of houses, a folklore museum, springs and traditional watermills. If you are considering a hotel stay in Spili, these topics can help you decide what to focus on during your trip. The route descriptions name specific starting and ending points; the cultural information ranges from architecture to a reported historical date. This makes it possible to distinguish whether you are particularly interested in routes, architectural history or the described connections to water.

Distinguishing routes by their starting and ending points

The stated starting and ending points can help you distinguish Municipal Routes 19 and 20 when choosing a route. Route 20 starts in Spili and ends in Gerakari; Route 19 starts in the village of Agkouseliana and ends in Spili. This means Spili is the starting point for one route and the endpoint for the other, while Agkouseliana and Gerakari mark the respective other endpoints. The European E4 trail from Spili to Gerakari starts at the country church of Agio Pnevma in northern Spili. This distinction can help you match the information to your planned route. Check the current trail markings and the condition of the relevant route before setting out.

Buildings and cultural history

The Spili Bridge, also known as Kamara Livadiotiki, is of particular architectural interest. The house of the priest from Spili, known as Papa Charalambos, is in Kato Chori; in 2012, it was considered to be well preserved. If you are planning to visit the house, check in advance whether visits are possible. The Tsouderoi Mansion has a different historical association: it is said to have been inhabited since at least 1840. The Spili Folklore Museum was founded by members of the Cultural Association of the Women of Spili. The information highlights different aspects: the bridge is noteworthy for its architecture, the mansion for its reported period of habitation, and the museum for its founding by members of the cultural association. If you would like to visit the museum, ask in advance about visiting options. The Tsouderoi Mansion may have been inhabited before 1840.

Springs and watermills

Spili’s springs add another practical aspect. The water from Spili’s springs is considered to be potable, untreated natural mineral water and rich in iron. If you would like to drink it, ask locally about the current situation. In addition, many traditional watermills have been preserved in Spili. They represent a distinct cultural feature alongside the described properties of the spring water: the springs are associated with water, while the mills are a preserved traditional element of the village.

Discover more destinations: Akoumia, Kalonyktis, Lambi, Skouloufia, Kato Rodakino, Gonia, Keramota, Roústika

For the main travel overview: Rethymno.