Agios Kirykos (or colloquially Ai Kyrkos) is located at the archaeological site of Lissos. The church of Agios Kirykos was built on the ruins of an early Christian basilica and retains the markings of damaged frescoes, the oldest of which dates back to 1436. It is a small, one-room temple and lends its name to the entire valley. It is built in arch-roofed Byzantine style with half-destroyed frescoes, of which those from 1436, 1437, and 1439 dates have survived. The faithful arrive, either on foot or by boat, from Sougia early in the afternoon of the prior evening every 15th of July to partake in a fantastic festival at this mythical site.
In Crete and in the festivals to honour the memory of the Saint-protector of each village, the people of the village organise a feast after liturgy at the church with traditional dances, songs, and abundant food, while anyone is invited to join.
The festival of Agios Kirykos at Ancient Lissos is one of the most authentic and picturesque religious celebrations in Crete. It is held every year on July 15th at the small chapel of Agios Kirykos, situated atop the ruins of an early Christian basilica from the 4th to 5th century. The chapel is a single-room structure, preserving fragments of Byzantine frescoes dating from 1436, 1437, and 1439.
Festival Program and Atmosphere
Pilgrims begin arriving on the afternoon of July 14th, either on foot or by boat from Sougia, to reach the Ancient Site of Lissos. They attend the Divine Liturgy and participate in a celebration filled with traditional music, dancing, and an abundance of local food. The festival is open to everyone—locals and visitors alike—and offers a unique opportunity to experience authentic Cretan hospitality.
Traditional Cretan Cuisine
During the festival, a wide variety of traditional Cretan dishes are served, including:
- Hochlioi (snails), cooked in various ways such as “boubouristo” fried with olive oil
- Marathopita (fennel pie)
- Mizithropitakia (small pies with mizithra cheese)
- Chickpeas with pork
- Gamopilafo (rice with meat, usually lamb)
- Boureki (pie with zucchini and cheese)
- Kolokythopatatopita (pie with zucchini and potato)
- Singlino (dried meat)
- Kolokythanthi (stuffed zucchini flowers)
- Sfakiani pita (thin fried pies filled with mizithra or anthotyro, often served with honey or walnuts)
- Antikristo (large portions of meat slow-roasted for 5–6 hours)
- Cockerel in wine
- Wild greens
- Kalitsounia (small pies with various fillings)
- Meat pies
- Homemade pasta
- Dakos salad (barley rusk with tomato and feta)
- Lamb with yoghurt
All dishes are made with local ingredients and traditional recipes passed down through generations, offering an authentic taste of Cretan culinary heritage.
Access to Ancient Lissos
Ancient Lissos is located about 70 km south of Chania, near Sougia. Visitors can reach it by boat from Sougia, a pleasant 20-minute sea journey. Alternatively, it is possible to walk from Sougia to Ancient Lissos, a 1.5–to 2–hour hike through a gorge, offering stunning views of the sea and the surrounding mountains.
The festival of Agios Kirykos at Ancient Lissos is a unique opportunity to experience authentic Cretan tradition and hospitality in one of the island’s most historic and scenic locations. If you are in the area in mid-July, it is well worth visiting and participating in this celebration, which is filled with music, dancing, and traditional cuisine.
Photos: cretanbeaches.com
