History                                                                         

     The original structure of Villa Filitsa was built by the Turkish General Commander of Crete, Moustafa Pasa in the beginning of the 18th century.  At that time the capitol of Crete revolved between Chania and Iraklion.  So, when Moustafa was in Chania he used this house a country home where he stayed with his wives and personel. 

     Mathios Milonogiannis was the leader of the Apokoronas freedom fighters during the Turkish liberation wars.  Mathios' brother, Giannis, bought this house from the Greek government in 1923 and it has been occupied by his ancestors ever since.  In 1985 the Culture Ministry declared the house a national historical monument.

     Restoration work began on the house in April, 2001 under the supervision of the Archaeology Ministry.  Many of the same building techniques used centuries ago were used during the year-long restoration.