• Location16 km northwest of Heraklion
• Population1,326 residents, with 797 living in Rodia
• Venetian Mansion of ModinosA prime example of Venetian architecture, a 15th-century protected monument
• Historical MentionFirst recorded in 1356 as Kera Rodea
• AttractionsChurches of Sotiras and Virgin Mary of Rogdia, Monastery of Savvathianon, Rogdia Monastery
• Views and GastronomyExcellent dining venues with panoramic views of Dia and the wider Heraklion area

Rodia or Rogdia is a picturesque village, built amphitheatrically on the slopes of Marmarokefala, at an altitude of 300 meters. This beautiful village offers panoramic views of the wider Heraklion area and the island of Dia, and it is located about 16 km northwest of the center of Heraklion. Thanks to its ideal location, it has become a popular destination for those seeking tranquility in nature combined with stunning sea views.

The local community of Rodia includes the settlements of Agios Dimitrios, Kapetanaki Metochi, Linoperamata, Moni Savvathianon, Palaiokastro, Pantanassa, and Plaitis. According to the 2011 census, the area has a population of 1,326 residents, with 797 permanently living in Rodia. While agriculture remains a key activity for the residents, the village has evolved into a culinary destination, with dining establishments offering breathtaking views that attract visitors from Heraklion and beyond.

One of the village’s most notable landmarks is the Venetian Mansion of Georgios and Fragiskos Modinos, also known as the Tower of Kallergis. This impressive building, declared a protected monument, dates back to the 15th century and is a prime example of Venetian architecture in Crete. The Modinos brothers, feudal lords of Rodia, Achlada, and Fodele, lived in this magnificent mansion, which combined military and agricultural uses. Today, the mansion is well-preserved and serves as a venue for cultural events and exhibitions organized by the Rodia Cultural Association.

The history of Rodia is first mentioned in 1356 in a document from the Archive of the Duke of Crete, where the area was called Kera Rodea, a name it retained until the end of the Venetian period. Today, Rodia stands as a preserved example of Crete’s rich historical heritage.

Visitors to Rodia can also explore the churches of the Saviour (Sotiras) and the Virgin Mary of Rogdia. Just outside the village lies the Monastery of the Nativity of the Virgin Savvathianon, one of the area’s most important monasteries, as well as the Rogdia Monastery, offering spiritual peace in a picturesque setting.