| Maroulas | |
| Name Local: | Μαρουλάς |
| Type: | community |
| Pop Community: | 533 |
| Area Community: | 11.483 |
| Population As Of: | 2021 |
| Coordinates: | 35.3333°N 57°W |
| Postal Code: | 74100 |
| Area Code: | 28310 |
| Licence: | ΡΕ |
Maroulas (Greek, Modern (1453-);: Μαρουλάς) is a local community of the Rethymno Municipality in the Rethymno (regional unit) of the region of Crete established by Kallikratis reform. It is traditional settlement and is classified in Class II, that is of average cultural value (Government Gazette 728/21-9-1995).[1]
Maroulas lies southeast of Rethymno and 10 kilometers from this city at an altitude of 240 meters. Most buildings date back to the Venetian period, but the area is likely to be inhabited since the Minoan period. According to tradition, the village took its name from the shepherdess Maroula, who, while grazing her sheep in the region, found a spring of cool digestive water.
| Name | 1940 | 1951 | 1961 | 1971 | 1981 | 1991 | 2001 | 2011 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maroulas | 472 | 374 | 312 | 221 | 184 | 188 | 192 | 486 | 277 | |
| Dilofo | - | - | - | - | - | - | 26 | 61 | 256 | |
| Total | 472 | 374 | 312 | 221 | 184 | 188 | 218 | 547 | 533 |
Two cemeteries of the palatial period of Minoan period have been revealed in the area. The findings of the cemeteries are exhibited at the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno.
The Venetians built two towers, which are still preserved, and other buildings with battlements. There are several coats of arms on the doors of buildings. In 1630 Turks settled in Maroulas. Visitors can see a mill, large arched doors of the Venetian mansions, narrow streets, and arches.[3]
The 'Temple of Prophet Elias', built at the top of the hill, has extensive views to the Cretan Sea.
There is a public bus service (KTEL) from/to Rethymno (two services, morning and noon on weekdays and no services on weekends) [4]
Since 21 July 2005 the area of Maroulas is included in the Cadastre system and is under the authority of the Cadastral Office of Rethymno (20 Hortatzis Str., ZIP: 74100, Rethymno, Phone n.: 0030-28310-22403)[5]