Zoniana: The Domain of Zeus - A Village with a Rich Name History

Zoniana stands out as one of Crete's most distinctive villages, where tradition greets you at every glance.

Nestled on Mt Psiloritis (Mt Ida) at an elevation of 630 metres, the village is graced by the entrance to the Sfentonis Cave, also known as ‘Sfentonis’ Hole’, adorned with an abundance of intricate stalactite and stalagmite formations.

The village underwent two previous names before adopting its present one. Initially called Zouliana after the shepherd Zou, who discovered water in the area, it later became known as Zoutolakos, signifying ‘the pit of Zou’. Eventually, the name became associated with the god Zeus. ‘Zoniana’, which is the name by which it is known today, originated from the local expression ‘Zone God’, translating to 'Listen to me, my God’.

Photo 1-2: By Noam Cohen Via Unsplash

Information/ Photo 3: Wikipedia