Pediada

Below the citadel (Acropol) of Smari there is a water spring and the former small monastery of Prophet Elias (Profitis Ilias). The view from this point to Smari valley is unique and geological formations around the monastery are really impressive. Inside the sanctuary of the temple there is the spring, which obviously watered the ancient city and turned the inhospitable rocky hill to fertile crops.

The church of Saint John the Baptist is located next to the Sinai monastery of Panagia Spiliotissa and bears frescoes by the painter Phocas, whom we meet in other churches of Pediada province. An inscription mentions the date 1291, being one of the oldest in the region.

On the path leading from Houdetsi to the Sinai monastery of Panagia Spiliotissa, we meet the very old church dedicated Saint Nicholas (Agios Nikolaos). It is the only temple of Houdetsi enlisted by Gerola in the catalogue of the 845 decorated churches in Crete. The church was originally a single-nave barrel-vaulted church, later expanded by acquiring additional elongated shape. It's interior bears some traces of frescoes dating back from by the Venetian era.

Very close to the former monastery of Prophet Elias and just below the ancient citadel of Smari, still survives the simple single-nave church dedicated to the Transfiguration of Christ the Saviour. The interior bears frescoes dating back from the 14th century. Among the frescoes we still discern scenes from the twelve major Christian feasts of the year, various saints, officiating prelates and Supplication.

The large temple of the Agia Zoni (Cincture of Virgin Mary) is located inside the village of Agies Paraskies and celebrates the day of the Cincture of the Theotokos (August 31) which is the last day of the Greek Orthodox church year. The church dates back to the 11th century and has frescoes that are very hard to discern.

The small church of Saint Nicholas is located between Lyttos and Kastamonitsa. It bears frescoes of a provincial painter dating back from the 14th century with vivid scenes from the Christological cycle. Frescoes that stand out are the Infanticide in southern wall, the sacrifice of Abraham, and Saint Zosimas.

Near Mathia village we meet the small single vaulted temple of Saint George, bearing frescoes dating back from the 13th century of foremost importance.

The large cemeterial church of Panagia at village Sklaverochori is dedicated to the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple (celebrates November 21). The church dates back to the 14th century (there is an engraving with date 1481).