|
Kalamafka is quite a lively village in the Lassithi prefecture of the island of Crete at around 15 kilometers distance from Ierapetra. There are approximately 600 people living in the village. Kalamafka lies on the route Istro (north) - Prina - Kalamafka - Anatoli - Gra Lygia (south). Kalamafka is built at 450 meters above sea level in a valley at the foot of the Dikti Mountains. The area surrounding the village is known for its natural beauty and beautiful rock formations, such as the nearby Havgas gorge. The vegetation is lush because of the natural water sources in the area and the rocks are smooth and often special to see.
In the village of Kalamafka you will find schools, shops, supermarkets, various coffee houses and seven tavernas. Tourists visit the village because of the Kastellos rock on which stands the cave Church of the Holy Cross or the "Timios Stauros Chapel". You can go there by climbing a staircase of 224 steps. If you drive further you will see that this rock from a certain corner of the eye resembles a little bit a face sticking out of the earth. They say it is the face of an Orthodox priest (a "kalymafki"), which is one explanation how the village got its name. Others say it is the face of a stone god.
Kalamafka has been inhabited since the Minoan period. In ancient times the village was known as Larisa. On the top of the Kastellos rock there was a sanctuary. Here is a statue of the god Asclepius was found, the god of healing and medicine. In the 3rd century BC Kalamafka was incorporated by Ierapytna (now Ierapetra) and the inhabitants were deported. The presence of the water sources of nearby Kefalovryso explains why the area of Kalamafka remained inhabited constantly.
|
