Modina Mansion
The Palace of Modina (also known as the Venetian Villa of the Kallergis family) is located in the village of Rodia, which is 9 km from Gazi and 16 km from Heraklion. The Palace (built in the first half of the 15th century) belonged to the brothers George and Francis Modino, who were feudal lords of the territories of Rogdia, Achlada and Fodele during the Venetian period.
It is the only example of a private house that has survived in Malevizi from the Venetian rule and, rightly, is considered one of the most important monuments of the Venetian Cretan architecture in 16th century Crete. It is often referred to as the "Tower", thanks to the architecture of part of the Palace, a building that, due to its height, is quite reminiscent of a tower. However, the building was not built for defensive purposes. The monument is also known as the Villa of the Kallergis family, as evidenced by the coats of arms on the windows, which refer to the famous family.
The Palace of Modina has been declared a protected monument by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. In the past, repair and maintenance works have been carried out by the 13th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities. It is a complex of auxiliary buildings that extended to the north and east sides of the current monument, which, today, are not preserved. In the courtyard of the Megaron, there was a water tank, while on the ground floor, the storage spaces were housed. On the first and second floors were the staff residences, as well as the other ancillary areas. Even today, on the first floor, the large fireplace used for the kitchen's needs is preserved. The church of Panagia Rogdia also belongs to the building complex.
In 1830, the Cretan Council, chaired by Nikos Renieris, used the building where it met and finally accepted the truce proposed by the Great Powers. Today, the Cultural Association of the village often uses the space to present exhibitions.