Amiras

Amiras

  • Location: Viannos Municipality, southern slopes of Mount Dikti
  • Altitude: 680m
  • Population: 850 (Amiras and Arvi)
  • Occupations: Agriculture, early vegetable cultivation
  • Attractions: National Resistance Museum
  • History: 114 residents massacred in 1943 by Nazis
  • Name Origin: From the Arabic word "amir" (lord)
  • Churches: Michael Archangel, Saint Nicholas, Saint George, Saint Charalambos, Christ the Lord

Amiras is a picturesque village in the Viannos municipality, situated on the southern slopes of Mount Dikti at an altitude of 680m. The area is lush with olive groves and fruit trees, offering a green landscape. The municipal unit consists of Amiras and the coastal settlement of Arvi, with a total population of 850 residents, mainly involved in the cultivation of early vegetables. Amiras hosts the National Resistance Museum, a significant historical site. The village’s history is marked by the tragic massacre of 114 residents by the Nazis in 1943, in retaliation for the destruction of German forces in Kato Symi.

The village's name derives from the Arabic word "amir," meaning lord, suggesting that it was founded during the Arab period. The village maintains important churches such as those of Michael Archangel, Saint Nicholas, and Saint George, as well as the chapels of Saint Charalambos and Christ the Lord.