LOCAL ARCHITECTURE. SETTLEMENTS AND HOUSES
Remarkable feature of building on the island is the location of the three main cities-Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion-North Coast so that the chain of residential development to be interlocking. In addition to the major cities of the island has many villages and settlements (permanent and seasonal-glebes). The majority of villages and settlements are mountain or imioreinoi (up to 800 m altitude and even bigger for the dependencies).
Over the village of Ano Asites, in a green area, is located the monastery of St. George Gorgolaini or Gorgoleimona as it is known today. Refrain from Heraklion 24 km and works from the years of Venetian rule.
The monastery of Paliani is one of the oldest if not the oldest monastery in Crete. The first centre of the monastic church built here belongs to the type of early Christian three-aisled, wooden roof, Royal, probably a type that dominated in the early Christian years (5th-6th century) in Crete.
From the time of the first appearance of human presence in Crete, items arise showing the continuous inhabitation of the Municipality of Heraklion region. The site of Knossos is the largest and most indicative place of habitation since the prehistoric times, in Crete.
As reported by the ΥΑ ΥΠΠΟ/ΔΙΛΑΠ/Γ/4146/1442/28-12-1998 - ΦΕΚ 35/Β/26-1-1999 "We historical preservable monuments that require special State protection,
The cemetery of ancient Rizinia is located two kilometers after the Ano Asites.
In the village of Pirgou is the Mertzanis Cave at Mertzani place.
In the village of Kato Asites there are two caves of special beauty.
In every village in the Hinterland of the municipality of Heraklion is rendered tribute to the fallen heroes and there are the respective Monuments.
In the village of Avgeniki there is a folklore museum which is temporarily not working.
In the hamlet of Avgeniki rescued two watermills.
In the hamlet of Venerato rescued two watermills hidden within dense vegetation in the Gorge of Venerato.
