Pagkalochori can be understood through several distinct cultural themes: churches and chapels, a Sikh temple, a memorial and an archaeological discovery. Arsani Monastery is a separate point of interest in the surrounding area. The wider destination of Rethymno adds urban history, museums, coastline and recurring events to the picture of the region.

Churches, chapels and religious sites

The parish church of Pagkalochori is dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin; the village also has the chapel of Agia Triada. The chapel of Agios Nikolaos was rebuilt. Pagkalochori is also home to a Sikh temple. These different religious sites provide several distinct points of reference in the cultural picture of the village.

The condition of the buildings also varies: alongside the rebuilt chapel of Agios Nikolaos, there is an old, ruined church of Saint John the Forerunner and a separate, likewise ruined chapel dedicated to the same saint. The church and chapel are two different buildings. This distinction helps distinguish the similar names in the village’s history.

Remembrance and archaeological discovery

Southeast of Pagkalochori is a memorial to those executed by the Germans. Another historical trace is the statue of the goddess Artemis, discovered during foundation work on a house in Pagkalochori. Two distinct aspects of the village’s history are therefore brought to the fore: remembrance of those executed and an archaeological find uncovered during construction work.

A cultural point of interest nearby

Arsani Monastery lies halfway between Pagkalochori and Sfakaki and is considered worth visiting. It is a separate cultural point of interest in the area around the village, distinct from the churches, chapels and religious sites in Pagkalochori.

Urban history and museums in Rethymno

The wider destination of Rethymno adds its own urban cultural history to that of Pagkalochori. The Old Town of Rethymno is designated as a protected historical monument and a traditional settlement. Its urban layout took shape during the Venetian period and was later reshaped under Turkish rule. The historic centre lies below the Venetian fortress of Fortezza.

Since 1991, the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno has been housed in a pentagonal building in front of the main entrance to the Fortezza. Its exhibitions present the history of the prefecture from the Neolithic period to Roman times. The Historical and Folklore Museum of Rethymno is housed in a 17th-century Venetian mansion. Five rooms in its permanent exhibition showcase traditional crafts and folk art. The museums thus offer a view of both the prefecture’s long archaeological history and its traditional crafts.

Coastline and events in the wider destination

The coastline is also among Rethymno’s regional features: Rethymno Beach is 12 kilometres long, starting at the historic city centre and stretching eastwards to Scaleta. Its sand is fine-grained and light brown. The Venetian harbour is also part of the coastline of the Municipality of Rethymno.

For a trip that includes a cultural programme, Rethymno’s recurring events offer another point of reference. The Rethymno Renaissance Festival takes place every summer and includes music, theatre and dance performances, as well as art exhibitions. The Rethymno Carnival is a traditional event featuring a parade organised annually by volunteers. If one of these events is a deciding factor for your travel dates, check the latest dates before planning.

Products from the surrounding area

Olive oil, along with fruit and vegetables, are among the main products of the area around Pagkalochori; wine is also produced there in small quantities. This range of products complements the historical and cultural themes with a glimpse of the agricultural character of the surrounding area.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Maroulas, Prines, Petrochori, Achlades, Vederi, Magnisia, Atsipades, Sfakaki

For the wider travel overview: Rethymno.