Maroulas () is a local community of the Rethymno Municipality in the Rethymno (regional unit) of the region of Crete established by Kallikratis reform. It is traditional settlement and is classified in Class II, that is of average cultural value (Government Gazette 728/21-9-1995).Ministry of Environment, Archive of Traditional Settlements and Listed Buildings retrieved at 10 April 2012
Geography, origin of name, history Maroulas lies southeast of Rethymno and 10 kilometers from this city at an altitude of 240 meters. Most buildings date back to the Venetian period, but the area is likely to be inhabited since the Minoan period. According to tradition, the village took its name from the shepherdess Maroula, who, while grazing her sheep in the region, found a spring of cool digestive water. Population of MaroulasHellenic Statistical Authority, Digital Library (ELSAT), Census (Greek and English)
Name 1940 1951 1961 1971 1981 1991 2001 2011 2021 Maroulas 472 374 312 221 184 188 192 486 277 Dilofo - - - - - - 26 61 256 Total 472 374 312 221 184 188 218 547 533
Archaeological discoveries, buildings, temples
Two cemeteries of the palatial period of Minoan period have been revealed in the area. The finds from the cemeteries are exhibited at the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno.
The Venetians built two towers, which are still preserved, and other buildings with battlements. There are several coats of arms on the doors of buildings. In 1630 Turks settled in Maroulas. Visitors can see a mill, large arched doors of the Venetian mansions, narrow streets, and arches.Presentation of Maroulas at the website of the Municipality of Rethymno retrieved at 10 April 2012
The 'Temple of Prophet Elias', built at the top of the hill, has extensive views to the Cretan Sea.
Miscellaneous There is a public bus service (KTEL) from/to Rethymno (two services, morning and noon on weekdays and no services on weekends) Bus timetables, Maroulas (in german)
Since 21 July 2005 the area of Maroulas is included in the Cadastre system and is under the authority of the Cadastral Office of Rethymno (20 Hortatzis Str., ZIP: 74100, Rethymno, Phone n.: 0030-28310-22403)
See also List of settlements in the Rethymno regional unit
References
External links Photo Gallery, Web site of municipality of Rethymnno retrieved at 10 April 2012 Cycling routes, Web site of Tourism Promotion Committee of Rethymno Prefecture , retrieved at 10 April 2012