Saint Paraskevi church at Rethymnon

A little south of the village Agia Paraskevi in province Rethymnon we meet the homonymous church of Agia Paraskevi. The temple is located in a ravine full of plane and other trees and next to the temple there is a water spring.

The position of Agia Paraskevi on this point is not at all accidental as in Crete almost all the old churches dedicated to Agia Paraskevi were located in rivers or water springs. According to tradition, Agia Paraskevi healed eye diseases with water, so the chapels should be close to a spring.

The church of Agia Paraskevi is relatively modern, but it is built over an older Byzantine church. Even today the visitor will discern small parts of the frescoes of the original church, dating before the 17th century.

Inside, the church has a large collection of wonderful portable icons. Outside the church there is a large courtyard under the tall trees.