The beautiful Margarites, of Crete, is a mountain village in the prefecture of Rethymno that holds firmly the scepter of the king of pottery. Also known as the settlement of “Pitharades”, visiting its amazing place you will have the opportunity to admire abundant clay masterpieces, against the background of the unique scenery that surrounds its landscape. So we left to explore the wonderful Cretan Margarites.
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Margarites of Rethymno: Where the heart of pottery beats
At every step you take, as you walk through the cobbled streets of this picturesque village you will see various works of art made with their first material, of course clay. Clay pots and jars decorate from end to end the narrow streets and the flowered gardens of Margarites with their beautiful colors and shapes. Pottery flourished in this amazing place due to the existence of rich deposits of clay soil located in the area. This presence made pottery a landmark of the village, turning Margarites into one of the most important pottery centers of the entire country.
Margarites: A picturesque settlement with a history
Wander around their beautiful surroundings to meet the monastery of Christ the Savior and Saint Gydeon, with a life span of more than five centuries, but with the primacy of antiquity held by the church of Agios Ioannis Theologos, with its wonderful iconostasis made of stone. Go just outside the village to discover the most important sight, perhaps of the whole prefecture: the dome-shaped funerary monument from the late Minoan period dating back to the very distant 1350 BC. Do not miss the opportunity to hike to the ancient Greek bridge of Eleftherna in the shape of an arc to enjoy not only the artistic but also the verdant aspect of the scenery, Having on your side the green cypress trees, but also the impressive view of the gorges that extend in the area.
Just so you know: The name of the Daisies carries behind it various theories about its origin. The one that has prevailed is the one that he considers to come from the word “magarika”, with the letter “r” added below. The meaning of this word in Byzantine times was synonymous with the term “clay”.
Margarites of Rethymno, the village of Pitharades, await you to show you pieces of art, the environment, and its history, making you, in this way, definitely love its amazing place.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Margarites is a mountain village in the Rethymno prefecture of Crete that is famous for its pottery tradition. Also known as 'Pitharades', the village is recognized as one of the most important pottery centers in Greece, featuring 16 traditional ceramic workshops called 'Tsikalaria' where artisans create clay masterpieces using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
Pottery flourished in Margarites due to the rich deposits of clay soil located in the area. These abundant natural resources made clay work a landmark of the village and attracted potters who transformed Margarites into a renowned ceramic center, turning pottery into an integral part of the village's identity and economy.
Margarites has a rich history marked by significant events including the birth of the abbot who led the blowing up of Arkadi monastery. In the 14th century, the village was burned by the Venetians as punishment for the inhabitants' revolt against heavy taxes. However, during the Cretan renaissance, the village was rebuilt with houses and churches of unique architectural value.
Key attractions in Margarites include the monastery of Christ the Savior and Saint Gydeon, which has existed for over five centuries, and the Church of Agios Ioannis Theologos featuring a stunning stone iconostasis. The most important sight is the dome-shaped funerary monument from the late Minoan period dating back to 1350 BC, located just outside the village.
Yes, visitors can follow the journey of pottery creation in Margarites. The village's 16 traditional ceramic workshops allow visitors to observe potters at work, seeing how clay is transformed into masterpieces using traditional wheels and furnaces, experiencing the blend of old tradition with modern techniques.
Yes, pottery remains a vibrant living tradition in Margarites. Local clay artists view their craft not merely as work but as a passion and escape from difficult mountain life. This deep connection to tradition is transferred from generation to generation, with artisans maintaining authentic techniques while also appealing to modern visitors seeking pieces with ancient Greek heritage.
