Village History - The earliest reference of the village is "Guves"  documented in 1387 in the Duke’s archives in old Chandax. Then again by, Fr. Barozzi in 1577 mentioned "Guvos" within the district of Pediados. Guves was officially registered in 1583, with total inhabitants of 252. Today the village is know as a agricultural region, with olives, vineyards, servicing the tourist industry.

Village Architecture - Crete has been inhabited since the Neolithic times. This period saw the development of the first dwellings, which typically were a rectangular building with flat roof of beams and branches, interlaced with a clay type material for strength, and supported by wooden posts; an earthen floor, cut and dressed stone ledges and recesses and finished with plastered walls. This type of building has been well documented by archaeologists and architectural surveyors.

This very early form of architecture has been the blueprint that other civilisations, have adopted. While following these basic building architectural principals, over a period, buildings have been altered with innovations in building styles materials and construction techniques.

The islands village architecture began with  forming houses, which were built in small blocks at different levels and sizes. These blocks naturally fortified the villages. Architecture created the typical villages over Crete today. Open courtyards, all hosting different facades alleyways, connecting small narrow streets. Cretan villages were born.

The second phased introduction was the use of stone corner reinforcing, stone foundations, baked clay bricks, and reinforced vertical and horizontal wooden components with interior plaster. This particular type of architecture and building construction is still a prominent feature in villages today.

Village Kafeneon Tavernas - Gouves Cathedral is surrounded by the famous Cretan Kafeneons and tavernas the heart of social life in Gouves. These quaint peaceful locations are where all the locals gather to enjoy themselves. All topics are discussed from football to the political arena. The tavernas are all owned by families so if you want a true insight into Cretan food come and try a taste of Crete.

Churches - There are several magnificent churches in the village, among them Aghios Georgas,  Zoodochos Pigis, Aghios Ioannis and Panayia this church is dedicated to the birth of  the Virgin Mary

Festivals - Every year in September on the last Tuesday before school begins again, there is a local festival with live Cretan Music on the municipal sports ground. For a small entrance fee you can participate in the dancing eating and drinking.

The second village church festival is held on the 7th September each year. This is a true feel of Crete each year around Crete the villagers prepare a village festival to celebrate the villages names day or the Churches names day. The entire village participates in the event. The festival starts around 9 pm and goes onto the very early hours of the morning. The festival in complimented by a traditional village Cretan meal of Greek Salad caracoled grilled pork Cretan baked potatoes in the oven cooked in olive oil and lemon all washed down with the local wines of the villagers.

PANO GOUVES VILLAGE SERVING GOUVES CRETE

Pano Gouves - Crete Open All Year Round

PANO - Gouves Crete Greece E-mail us for more information  pano@gouves