- Region
- Mylopotamos, Rethymno
- Ancient site
- Oaxos
- Known for
- Byzantine churches, crafts
- Nearby
- Anogia, Zoniana, Sfendoni cave
Ancient Oaxos
Excavations by the Italian Archaeological School, which began in 1899, uncovered a temple of Aphrodite, a prytaneum, graves and architectural pieces. Part of the acropolis wall is still visible on the hill above the village. Finds include inscriptions and figurines of a female fertility goddess.
Byzantine Axos
In the Byzantine period Axos was the seat of a bishop and had many churches, often built over earlier classical buildings. The church of Agia Irini in the village is the best known.
Crafts
Craft workshops along the main road sell woodcarving and local products. Stop for coffee and a walk through the lanes.
Nearby
Zoniana and the Sfendoni cave are a few kilometres away, and Anogia a short drive further up the mountain.
Questions before you go
What was ancient Oaxos?
A city on the site of Axos, inhabited from Minoan to Roman times.
Is the archaeological site accessible?
Parts are on rough ground; it is not adapted for visitors with reduced mobility.
What is near Axos?
Zoniana, the Sfendoni cave and Anogia.
