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Greek churches are often located in beautiful settings, and the Church of Saint John the Baptist is an excellent example. Located on a hillside southeast of Gavalochori, this church, which dates to medieval times, requires a bit of a hike to reach it. But the effort is worth it—you will find a picturesque church nestled among trees surrounded by a stone wall. Although this church is usually kept locked, its setting alone is inspiring and meditative.

To reach the Church of Saint John the Baptist, start from the main square of Gavalochori, and follow the signs to the Venetian Wells. At the top of the hill, turn right and take the upper of the two roads. At some point, you will need to get out of your car and walk the remainder of the way. There’s a gate across the road on the path leading up to the church. Untie the rope that is keeping it closed and re-tie the rope after you go through; this prevents the goats and sheep from getting loose. 

The Church of Saint John the Baptist began as a monastery of nuns. It was destroyed by the Turks in the late 17th century, and the nuns who survived fled to and settled at the Church of Saint Anthony. In 1750, a man in Gavalochori began rebuilding the church, but the Turks forbade the work, and the rebuilding stopped. His grandson picked up where his grandfather had left off and completed the renovation in 1852. 

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🌿☀️Mili Gorge. Despite the heat, you can enjoy a cool walk in Crete, with the sound of a stream 💦 and the shade of trees. 🌳It’s a beautiful walk through various shades of green. Along the way, you’ll see the ruins of old buildings and water mills. There’s also a taverna where you can rest and have a refreshing fresh orange juice. On the way to the gorge, it’s worth stopping at the Monastery of Panagia Chalevi. 🙏☺️
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✨ The Old Olive Factory of Gavalochori ✨
Photo by: rakowski_photovisions

Hidden in the heart of Gavalochori, you’ll find a piece of Crete’s olive-oil heritage. 🌿
This 17th-century Venetian olive mill, with its beautiful stone domes and ancient millstones, tells the story of how olive oil was once pressed by hand. Later, a 19th-century metal press was added, bridging tradition and early industry.

Just a short walk away stands the collective olive mill of 1962, built by the villagers themselves — a reminder of how the community worked together to carry on this centuries-old craft.

Today, the old olive factory is open to everyone, free of charge, inviting visitors to step back in time and imagine the rhythm of daily life in Gavalochori when olive oil was truly liquid gold. ✨

📍 Gavalochori, Apokoronas, Crete
🌿 History carved in stone, still alive in spirit.

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