Agia Galini history - Crete

Agia Galini is built on the site of the ancient port of Minoan Sivritos (today's Throne of Amari) and was called Soulia. Several archaeological finds have been found in excavations in the area. 

Next to the river are found columns and relics of a sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Artemis. Investigations have also brought to light a Roman shipwreck of the 3rd AD. century, in which were found figurines, lamps, busts, bronze objects that are now exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Rethymnon. Soulias was destroyed by the Saracens in 640 AD.

When the old religion was succeeded by Christianity, on the ruins of the temple of Artemis, the Monastery of Galinios Christ was built. 

At the cemetery of the settlement, just outside the village, the old monastery church, the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, is preserved.

Also, next to the port, west of it, rises the rock from which, according to tradition, Daedalus and Icarus flew in order to escape from Crete.

 There is also a monument built at this point, with two statues, to remind the first two aviators of mythology.

Several versions have been heard about the origin of the particular name of Agia Galini. One of them mentions that when a Byzantine princess was traveling to the Holy Land by her ship, it fell into bad weather. 

Then she prayed to Our Lady, asking for her help, and arranged for her to build a temple where she would go. when the ship managed to save and land on the safe beach of the village, which never had waves.

 The princess, faithful to her oath, built a temple, which she named Panagia Galini, later renamed Agia Galini. This church is the Assumption of Our Lady in the cemetery of the village. The name 

Agia Galini has also been found on maps of the Turkish occupation. Finally, it can be derived from the words "ever so peaceful", ie always a quiet harbor.