The traditional settlement of Kalesa is built on a hill, 3 km southeast of Gazi. The settlement is known for its Minoan era caves. These caves, later, were exploited by the Venetians and were formed with carved arches. Kalesa consists of two settlements, which are approximately 300 meters apart. Ano Kalesa is located at an altitude of 170 meters and has 300 permanent residents, while Kato Kalesa has about 600 permanent residents. Both Ano and Kato Kalesa are mentioned in the census of Kastrofylakas, in 1583. During the Venetian period, both settlements were destroyed, almost completely, by the earthquake of 1856.
In Ano Kalesa, the visitor can see the church of Agios Georgios, known for its beacon's legend. At the same time, in Kato Kalesa, you can cool off at the spring of Agia Paraskevi (from where both settlements get water). The old church of the Annunciation of the Virgin with the excellent iconostasis and portable icons, a typical example of Venetian-occupied Crete of the 13th century, is also worth visiting. The church of Saints Peter and Paul, built in 1969 in the style of a three-aisled basilica with a dome, is also of exceptional beauty. The central aisle is dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul, while the other two aisles are dedicated to Saint Andrew, Saint Nektarios and Saint Raphael. Finally, the church was frescoed in 1996-1999 by Claudius Clonos.
