Church of Saint John the Hermit in Falassarna
The cavernous church of Saint John Xenos or Hermit is located in position Kavousi, in the region of Platanos village and has amazing view of the fertile valley of Falassarna. The chapel hosts a tomb where, according to the local tradition, was buried Saint John the Hermit, but his bones were later moved to Corfu and the church of Ai-Kyr Yannis in Tsourouniana. It is said that Saint John, after his long wandering in various places of Crete, where he founded many hermitages, ended up here where he died in 1031 AD.
The temple also has a second aisle dedicated to Saint Eustathius. Its interior bears parts of frescoes mainly depicting the life of Saint John the Hermit, dating back from the 11th to the 14th century. The temple and the yard was renovated in 2013. On the 20th of September, on the celebration day of the Saint, there is a big feast in the area.
