Chromonastiri is a local community of the Rethymno Municipality in the Rethymno of the region of Crete established by Kallikratis reform. Previously, it was part of the former municipality of Rethymno. Chromonastiri is a traditional settlement and is classified in Class II, that is of average cultural value. Buildings with Venetian architectural elements are scattered throughout the village. In the years 2005, 2007, 2008 and 2009 Chromonastiri received an award of the '"cleaner and organized traditional community"'
Origin of name, History
Chromonastiri is located 11 km southeast of Rethymno, east of the Mount Vrisinas at an altitude of 360 meters The name means “Color and Monastery”, and probably this name comes by the coexistence of the village and the monastery of Panayía Kerá. Built around the 12th-13th centuries and has been characterized as a traditional village, as several buildings were built during the Venetian period. The local community of Chromonastiri consists of four settlements: Chromonastiri, Prinedes, Kapediana and Myli, Rethymno. ;Population of Chromonastiri
Settlement
1940
1951
1961
1971
1981
1991
2001
2011
Chromonastiri
439
347
293
173
294
237
358
298
Kapediana
102
64
48
35
27
19
28
25
Myloi
99
75
52
36
39
31
39
27
Prinedes
-
-
-
-
-
29
57
41
Total
640
486
393
244
360
316
482
391
Temples, monuments, and major buildings
The Church of Panayía Kerá is a painted Byzantine church of cruciform shape with a dome, dating from the 11th century, with frescoes of 14th century. Another important Byzantine church of the 11th century - that of Ayios Eftychios - is situated outside Chromonastiri at the area called Perdíki Metóhi, again with amazing frescoes of the 11th century The Parish Church of this settlement is St. George Church. Villa Clodio: Buildings with Venetian architectural elements are scattered in the village, but the most important building is the so-called Villa Clodio, which used to be the summer residence of Venetian nobles from Rethymno and in the Ottoman period it was a house of an Ottoman dignitary. It is a magnificent mansion which has been restored and houses the Military Museum. The Military Museum houses many exhibits - military uniforms, weapons of various ages, decorations, etc. The oil mill of Prinari: The old factory of Prinari, fully renovated, with all its old equipment, located in the settlement, welcomes visitors to its cultural learning centre for an experience to learn all things relating to the olive and its milling process.
The village celebrates Saint Panteleimon’s name day
Miscellaneous
There is public bus service from Rethymno Since 7 July 2005 the area of Chromonastiri is included in the Cadastre system and is under the authority of the Cadastral Office of Rethymno