Location information

Varypetro

The whole community of Varipetro used to be a feud belonging to the well-known feudal lord Mario Petros. So, as they say, it was got its name after him. Throughout the years the name Mario Petros was changed into Vari Petros and turned into Varipetro. Today it consists of 5 more communities, namely Marmaras, Ligides, Potistiria, Miloniana and Oasi. In the 1881 census Varipetro had 128 citizens. Later it was detached from Perivolia and added to Municipality of Chania. In the 1938 census 358 people were recorder to be members of this particular community.
In 1968 doctor Vardinoyannis, who believed that had discovered ancient Kidonia, started excavations at the northeast rocks of the villa in Kastela where there is a Venetian fortress. In the excavations that took place in Dembla the ruins of a prehistoric community were discovered which proved that people have lived in that area since pre-historic years. The historian Trivan mentions the way the area surrounding Varipetro was populated in a chronicle in 1645. It had then the same name as today and it belongs to St. Lazarus area. Because of its proximity to Chania and the configuration of its ground, Varipetro became the center of severe battles ever since the Venetian occupation and, until recently, during those invasions people of Varipetro sought safety to the mountains of Therisos until the danger was over. Ever since the two villages have exchanged populations, have protected each other and have formed common bonds.
In 1867, the year that the Turks used Towers to repulse the rebellious Cretans, the citizens of Varipetro build the Anibalis Tower southeast from the village. The rebellious activity of the locals was heroic and full of valiant actions. Many of them fought in Macedonia - at the liberating wars - and became distinguished captains. In the Second World War they helped organize the most unpleasant surprise that had awaited the German parachutists since the beginning of the war. They fought bravely from 1941 until Crete was liberated from its enemies. In retaliation to their resistance during the war, Germans turned the whole area of Varipetro into a Calvary of acts of brutality and constant executions of Greek patriots. However, the rebels did not stop their fight and very often collisions and mortal battles took place. In the most well known battle villagers from Varipetro managed to destroy a tank with some old riffles only ever since that area is called "Tank".

This text is cited Dec 2001 from a WebPage of the Municipality of Therissos.