At an altitude of 380m, with 63 inhabitants, Liliano is first mentioned in the Turkish census of 1671.
The Basilica with its three naves, dedicated to Saint John, was built in the 12th -13th centuries and is one of the oldest and the most interesting in Crete. The stones used in its construction came from earlier buildings.
The three naves, with the middle nave higher than the other two, are supported by columns in Ionic style.
The narthex in front is lower with wider arches, whereas the door and windows have pointed arches.