Meronas is a beautiful village built at an altitude of 620 m, in a verdant location with running water and a stunning view toward the peaks of Psiloritis and the valley of Amari. The crystal clear waters, the towering poplars, the cherry trees, the apple trees, and all kinds of trees that green the place, create a magical location. Meronas is a large modern settlement, where one can find everything, but without having lost its identity as it retains several elements of its traditional architecture. Here you can find small shops, cafes, taverns, as well as accommodation. In the center of the settlement, it is worth visiting the Church of the Assumption, a three-aisled, vaulted basilica, which was built in the 14th century. Also, in the “Sochora” location, the two-aisled church of Panagia Mauridiani, dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin, is preserved, which was built in the 13th century and there are fragments of frescoes today. Just outside the village, heading north you can see, on top of a hill, the remains of Koule Meronas, a Fortress from the Ottoman period, which unfortunately is not preserved in a good condition. It is also worth mentioning that Meronas is a particularly popular destination for lovers of Cretan traditional music, thanks to the Music School, which takes place in the village every August. It is organized by the active Cultural Association of the village and it has been an institution in recent years with participation from all over Greece and abroad. The village’s traditional festival takes place every year on July 25, the feast day of Agios Panteleimon.
