Axos village (44 km from Rethymnon) is the depot for tourist coaches heading for the archaeological site of Axes, and has therefore been developed for tourism. If you too decide to stop here, you will find tavernas and stores with folk art products.
In the square you will encounter a small old Byzantine church dedicated to the Archangel Michael, which you can visit, and the larger Byzantine church of Agia (Saint) Irene, both dating from the 13th or 4th century AD. A footpath behind Agia Irene church will lead you to the remains of ancient Axes, brought to light by archaeological excavations.
The ancient city is thought to have been built during the first descent of the Dorians to Crete, or during the geometric period. It was built by the native Eteocretans, who found refuge there in I 100 BC, when persecuted by the Dorians. It was a powerful city and remained so until the late Roman and Byzantine years. The city was probably destroyed during the Venetian domination, and it is believed that after the destruction, its residents moved to modern-day Anogia, and built a settlement there. The city continued to exist under Turkish rule.
The city's name has been interpreted in many different ways. The name may have come from Oaxos River or Oaxos or Axes, son of the daughter of Minos. Another version claims that the name comes from the son of Apollo and Agchiali, who built the city.
Finally, others say that the name was given by the residents of the area, because of the typical elements of the landscape, the precipitous rocks, as the ancient Cretan word axos means crag. According to Herodotus, in the 7th century BC this was the Kingdom of Etearchos, who ordered his daughter from his first marriage stop ed, encouraged by his second wife. However, the assignee did not carry out the king's orders, and the girl was saved and taken to Santorini. Today only very few ruins exist in the area, relics of past, glorious times.
On the way back to Rethymnon from Axos, you will find Dioscuri Monastery. It was established
under the rule of Constantine the Great and dedicated to Saint John Prodromos and Saint George. Its name probable originates from the temple that existed in the area before the monastery, and was dedicated to the Dioscuri. Saint John's church contains many beautiful religious paintings. The church of Saint George contains an icon of the saint that is said to be miraculous. In the revolts of 1821 and 1866 it acted as a refuge for the fighters, and for this reason it was pillaged and desecrated by the Turks. The church has been in ruins since 1901. The Enagron hostel is located below Axos, surrounded by a rich verdant landscape. It has 14 apartments for 2-4 persons, in a 30,000-sq.m area, tel. +30 28340-6161 1 and +30 28 10-285752. Everything there has been made with respect to tradition, using carefully selected materials. There is also a taverna, where you can attend Cretan cooking lessons, and a cafe. You can participate in or simply observe all the agricultural activities that take place in the hostel's farm. At Enagron, the year has precisely 4 seasons, each with its own colours, aromas and sounds.