Sivas Village

A village full of... memories

The village of Sivas is located 62 km away from Iraklion, on the western slopes of Asterousia Mountains, at an altitude of 110mtr.

The village has changed little from days gone by. Life revolves around the square where you can enjoy the company of local people who always make you feel welcome. Sivas has a special feel about it, which is out of the fact that many people return year after year.

Its population is about 400 people.

Archaeological discoveries

Near the village the archaeologists unearthed circular tombs of the pre-palace period (2600-2000 B.C.). In 1958 a full collection of early Hellenistic coins were found. However, looters stole most of these and only 36 coins were found and are currently on display at the Archaeological Museum of Iraklion.

The Ministry of Culture has recognized Sivas as a traditional protected village.

Historical figures and more
Sivas is the birth place of various historical figures that played important roles. These include Ai Giannis o Xenos, who helped reorganize the Christians after Crete was captured from the Arabs, Ioannis Skoutis who fought during the Greek revolution 1821, and the writer Themos Kornaros.

The village is proud to celebrate a thousand years of history. You have the chance to admire its monuments and old houses, which where perfectly preserved throughout the centuries.

The name of Sivas Village

There are many mysteries about the origin of the name of Siva. Some say that it has to do with Shiva the god of India , or Siwa the famous oasis of Egypt where the temple of Amon Zeus was built and which was visited by Alexander the Great.

The Latin word "Silva" means forest and we know that not far ago, Asterousia Mountains were covered not with dense forests. But it seems more probable that the water springs (in Arab Siva) were the reason for the name to the Village.