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Amnatos is a village about 18km east of Rethymno, close to the Arkadi Monastery.

The village is uniquely situated, at an altitude of 300 meters, on a hill that offers a beautiful panoramic view of the prefecture. Amnatos made its appearance around the Venetian era. This is also evident from the fortress as well as the houses’ placement and architecture.

Highly admirable is the mansion of Sanguinazzo, with the triangular doorway, the eagle and the inscription: Initium sapientiae timor domini(= The beginning of wisdom is the fear of The Lord). During the Ottoman rule a mosque with a minaret was built, ruins of which can be found today. Later, the well-known school of Arkadi was founded attended by the monks. When the monastery was blasted many of the villagers were there. One of them was Charikleia Daskalakis. In her name, and in honor of those who died, a monument has been erected in the middle of the village.

There are also many religious attractions surrounding the area, such as the churches of Agia Marina, the Zoodohou Pigis (Life Giving Spring), Agios Ioannis and Agios Antonios. The Folklore Museum of Amnatos and the School Museum of the History of Greek Education are also of great interest. Also in the village are some taverns serving traditional local dishes.

Enjoy some more photos of Amnatos village:

 

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