Kato Asites

Kato Asites (Kάτω Ασίτες) is a medium-sized village in the heart of Heraklion, Crete. It is part of the Gorgolaini municipality. It has a population on around 3,000 inhabitants. It is situated 24 km from Heraklion City. One kilometer north of Kato Asites is situated the Gorgolaini Monastery. The village has 9 churches, with church Agia Pariskevi being the most famous one. The story behind the church is legendary to the village. While being under Turkish occupation between 15th and 19 century, a Turk tried to sabotage a Cretan wedding. He went to the wedding and tried to shoot the bride. Unfortunately for him, the bullet ricocheted off the church wall and into his stomach, causing his intestines to spill on the floor and die on the spot. Furthermore, the village enjoys very hot and dry summers, with mild rainy winters and occasionally snow.