This two residential complexes (Old and New, 200 meters apart) which are 20 kilometers from Heraklion on the old Messara - Phaistos at an altitude of about 300 meters. The new settlement was created after 1955, while in the Old Venetian times.
The monastery of Paliani is one of the oldest if not the oldest monastery in Crete. The first centre of the monastic church built here belongs to the type of early Christian three-aisled, wooden roof, Royal, probably a type that dominated in the early Christian years (5th-6th century) in Crete.
The proposed route follows the road Heraklion-Mesara, starting with the node of Giofyro. The node turn left and follow the signs toward Degrees. The aim of the visit is path in selected settlements of a particular geographical area with interesting residential network and common cultural and historical traits.
When, says the legend, was looking God Saturn the newborn Zeus to swallow him, his mother, Rhea hid him in Ideon Andron and put the Kuretes to cover the crying, beating bronze cymbals on their shields. But his grandmother, Gaia not content therein. Because he feared failure and the cries of little Zeus heard louder than the cymbals, placed at the entrance of the cave (Ideon Andron) a bustling Beehive and the loud hum of the cover the crying of small God, and the honey the harbored (the nymph Melia of the provided).