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| Things To Do on the Magical Island of Crete
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| There are so many things that you can do when you holiday in Crete. Soaking up the hot Mediterranean sun on the many sandy beaches around the island, lazing on sunbeds around the swimming pool, walking, sight-seeing, water sports, fishing or just chilling out! Below are just some of the ways that you can fill up the whole of your holiday, leaving you wanting to come back and carry on! If you want to tour the island, or take trips to places further away, there are car, cycle, scooter and motorcycle hire companies in Rethymnon (see below). |
Walking/Hiking | Sight Seeing | Links |
| Car/Cycle/Scooter Hire There are several rental companies in Rethymnon where you can hire a cycle to take you around the town or short distances into the surrounding countryside. Or perhaps a scooter or motorcycle. Rates for scooters start from about 16 Euros/day and motorcycles from about 25 Euros/day. Eurocars specialise in a high quality car rental service. They provide: Full insurance without own participation, Vehicle insurance, Third party liability insurance, Passengers insurance, Driver's insurance, 24 hrs road assistance, Second driver at no extra charge, Unlimited mileage, Road map, Baby seats - on request, Roof racks for luggage or bicycles - on request. Click the logo below to go to their site.  |
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Water Sports |
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As with any seaside resort, water sports can be great fun and an important part of beach life. At Rethymnon, you can find all this. A range of jet skis, parasailing and speedboat rides. |
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Train Excursions Daily excursions are operated by Talos Express from the station at Rethymnon - in a small train! There is a station at Platanias, the nearest resort. You can choose from five excursions: Mili, Maroulas, Arkadi, Agia Irini Monastery and Platanias by night. 1. MILI  Every Monday to Thursday and Saturday, departing at 10.00 am from the station. Approximately 15 Euros/person (50% discount for children under 12).Beautiful Mili gorge is located just a few kilometres from Platanias and it takes about 50 minutes to get there in the little train. On route you see beautiful countryside with plenty of olive trees and wonderful views. At first there is a short visit to the village of Chromonastiri and after then the journey continues to Mili.  The gorge is covered by a blanket of green and it's difficult to make out the ruins of the very old houses and about 50 water mills there. Huge trees, mulberries, cypresses and nut trees grow in wild abandon. There, in the middle of natural beauty is one little tavern where you can sit for a delicious lunch or just drink something and relax. Just a few minutes from Platanias this is a place that will definitely remind you of another, mysterious world! 2. MAROULAS  Every Tuesday to Friday, departing at 10.00 am from the station.Maroulas is one typical Cretan village just a few kilometres from Platanias, taking about 50 minutes to get there. The route runs up the mountain and the landscape gets more and more fantastic and panoramic. On the way there you can see olive cultivations and don't be surprised at all if you meet a donkey or a herd of goats on the road!  Maroulas is an old village, there are many buildings, a fortress and walls from the Venetian period (1206-1669 AD). If you take a lazy walk through the narrow streets of the village or sit for a while and have a drink in one of the local taverns, you get the feeling that time itself has stopped still. An interesting and rewarding trip! And one that is a unique experience for everyone. 3. ARKADI  Every Sunday, departing at 10.00 am from the station.This is an excursion that combines two different aspects: a fantastic route through many traditional Cretan villages with unique landscapes and also a visit to one of the most famous monasteries in Greece. Though the distance to Arkadi from Platanias with "Talos" is approximately one hour, there is such a great variation in landscapes and sights to see that make this excursion such an enjoyable one.  The historic Monastery of Arkadi, the most venerated symbol of freedom in Crete, lies in beautiful surroundings. The exact date when the monastery was built has not yet been established but it was probably built in the 5th century by the Byzantine Emperor Arkadius after whom it was named.The Monastery of Arkadi acquired its glory and fame during the revolution of 1866-1869. On 8th November 1866, the Turks conquered the monastery and killed many Greeks. But the Greeks blew up the gunpowder store killing themselves and many Turks. In the monastery there is a museum where you can see a host of artefacts from this historical time. 4. THE MONASTERY OF AGIA IRINI Every Wednesday, departing at 10.00 am from the station. The Monastery of Agia Irini has a fantastic panoramic view as it is situated on the top of hill just 5 kilometres south of Rethymnon. It takes about an hour by train to get the Monastery. On route passengers can feast on the beautiful countryside. The Monastery of Agia Irini is believed to be one of the oldest Monasteries in Crete, probably dating back to the second Byzantine period (961-1204 BC). In the 14 century it was a large an important Monastery with extensive lands. In 1866-1867 the Monastery of Agia Irini was ruined. But in 1989 it was reconstructed. Since then nuns have lived there. Today 7 nuns still inhabit the Monastery, creating gold and Cretan embroideries for sale in the exhibition area. On the way to the Monastery of Agia Irini there is a short stop of the church of the Holy Virgin of Halevi. On the way back there is time to stop in the village of Rousospiti for a snack or a drink. 5. PLATANIAS BY NIGHT This short trip departs from the station at Platanias twice every night, at 19.30 pm and 20.30 pm. |
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Cruises Dolphin Cruises offer two outings daily from Rethymnon as well as hiring out boats for private cruises. |
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| The 2½ hour trip leaves the Venetian Harbour and takes you east where you can enjoy the magnificent view of Rethymnon. The trip takes you to the famous pirates caves and the Camarola arch. There is enough time to go for an enjoyable swim in the crystal clear Mediterranean waters. On returning to Rethymnon, the trip takes you past the Venetian Fortress. This trip departs at 12.30 pm daily from the Venetian Harbour.  The 3 hour trip also goes through the pirates caves where the age old stalactites can be clearly seen. Then the trip takes in the Camarola arch. An hour has been set aside to spend at the fishing village of Panormo, where you can enjoy a swim off the boat or try out the tasty Cretan cuisine and enjoy a drink in one of the many taverns in the village. This trip departs at 10.00 am and 13.00 pm daily from the Venetian Harbour. |
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| The Day Cruise to Marathi is a pirate adventure aboard either the Barbarossa or the Captain Hook. The trip is an adventure and takes in the famous pirates caves on the way to Marathi. Here you can enjoy a swim off the boat or from ashore, or laze on the gorgeous beach, explore Marathi, eat and drink in the town or enjoy a Mediterranean meal aboard ship. This trip departs at 09.30 am from the Venetian Harbour and returns at 17.00 pm daily. |
Walking/Hiking Crete is a very popular destination for walkers and hikers all year round with many local walks; guided tours are also available. This is one way to discover the Island of Crete and its people, the breathtaking beauty of its countryside and its age old history with all of its myths and legends. Climbing Routes and E4 The European E4 hiking route starts from the Pyrenees, crosses Europe and the Balkan Peninsula and reaches the southernmost point of the Peloponese. From Githeo it moves through to Kasteli Kissamou and, after crossing the whole island of Crete, it ends at the Minoan Palace at Zakro, on the east coast of Crete. Here are some of the sites that are well known for walking and hiking around Crete:  The Samaria Gorge Samaria Gorge is the longest gorge in Europe being 18 kilometres in length and very well known for its incredible beauty. The gorge is only 3 metres wide at some points along the route and the sides of the gorge rise to a height of some 600 metres. A stream flows through the gorge between the White Mountains and the Volikas mountain. Approximately 43 km south of the town of Chania, the Samaria Gorge can be reached by bus from Chania or by car. The route from Chania to the gorge passes through picturesque lowland and typically Cretan mountain villages. In Omalos, north of the gorge, there are a number of taverns where you stop on the way to, or from the gorge. Hiking through the gorge is only allowed between May to October and is dependent upon the weather. The entrance to the gorge is at Xiloskalo where there is a tourist pavilion. From here there is a majestic view of Gigolos mountain which peaks at 2083 ms. At the other end is the village of Agia Roumeli. Here a boat will take you to Chora Sfakion, an unusual village where you can catch a bus back to Chania. Caves in Crete Over 3000 caves have been recorded in Crete by the Greek Speleological Society, many of archaeological, palaeontological and historical value. Caves have been used by man since the Palaeolithic era as places to live as well as to worship. The Minoans used sacred caves and shrines built into hilltops and on mountain peaks to worship their gods. The Cave of Sentoni at Zoniana. This is the most naturally decorated cave in Crete. Approximately 13 kms west of the village of Anogia in the Rethymnon district and 1 km from Zoniana and at an altitude of 800 m. The Dikteon Cave (Dikteon Andron). This cave is the legendary birthplace of Zeus or Jupiter. Approximately 48 kms east of Heraklion and 2 kms west of Agios Nicholaos is the village of Psichro. A path leads up to the cave from here, either on foot or by mule or donkey. Major archaeological finds suggest that the cave was a place of cult worship. An amazing display of stalactites of various shapes and sizes adorn the lower cave. The Ideon Cave (Ideon Andron). This sacred cave is on Mount Psiloritis, 20 kms south of Anogia, on the Nidas plateau. According to mythology, Rhea hid the baby Zeus from the murderous Saturn here. Major archaeological finds from this cave, including statues and bronze shields, are on display in the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion. The Cave of Eileithyia (Ilithiia). Named after Eileithyia, the goddess of childbirth, this cave was used from the Neolithic era up to 5th century BC for rituals. Many significant archaeological discoveries were made here, including figures of animals, Neolithic shells and tools, and an idol of a woman in the act of praying or giving birth. The cave is approximately 1 km south of Amnissos. The Cave of Agia Paraskevi Skotinou. This cave was used for worship from olden times throught to the Christian era. It is situated approximately 22 kms east of Heraklion. The Kamares Cave. The Minoans considered this cave to be sacred, probably in dedication to the worship of the goddess Eileithyia. This is where the incredible Kamares vases (now on display in the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion) were discovered. The cave is a 4 hour walk from the village of Kamares, 57 kms from Heraklion. The Gerani Cave.A cave of prehistoric, palaeontological and archaeological interest, approximately 6 kms west of Rethymnon. Finds can be seen in the Archaeological Museum in Rethymnon. The Melidoni Cave. This cave was used for worship during the Neolithic, Minoan and Archaic periods. It is approximately 26 kms east of Rethymnon and 3 kms north west from the village of Melidoni. We would be happy to provide a packed lunch for a small charge. |
Sight Seeing There are a wealth of sights to be seen on Crete, from the outstanding beauty of the natural landscapes, the mountains, villages and towns to the history that goes back thousands of years. Here are just some of the sights that you can visit. Click to go to Museums, Antiquities, Venetian Buildings, Churches and Monasteries. MUSEUMS Chania The Archaeological Museum of Chania is housed in the Venetian church of San Francesco. Its exhibits from western Crete and other areas date from the Neolithic to the Roman era, and include idols, statues, inscriptions, weapons, pottery, sealstones, coins, jewellery, etc. (Museum Tel No: 0821-20 334). The Historical Archives of Crete include a rich collection of folklore and material related to the history of the island. The archives are among the largest in the country, second only to General Archives of the Greek State. Open daily 8:00-13:00, except weekends and public holidays. Tel No: 0821-22 606. The Naval Museum of Chania is located on the mole of the Venetian harbour. Includes exhibits linked with the island's history. The museum is open 10:00-14:00, every day except Monday. From October to end of May, is open also 16:00-18:00, on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays and 17:00-19:00 during the other months. Tel No: 0821-26 437. Rethymnon The Archaeological Museum of Rethymnon is housed in the Venetian Loggia. Among the exhibits of the museum there are interesting archaeological finds from the region, as well as a fine coin collection. Museum Tel No: 0831-29 975. Heraklion The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is one of the most important museums in Greece. Here are assembled almost all the finds from the Minoan era. Pottery, stone carvings, seal stones, statuettes, gold, metalwork, the marvellous frescoes from the Royal and Little Palaces and villas of the wealthy, and finally, the unique painted limestone sarcophagus from the Agia Trias. Museum Tel Nos: 081-22 60 92, or 22 46 30. In the Historical Museum of Heraklion, exhibits from the Byzantine, Venetian and Turkish periods and historical documents of the more recent Cretan history are shown. Except these, a rich collection of folk art consisting of local costumes, textiles, wood carving and embroidery are exhibited here, as well as a representation of a tradition Cretan house. Museum Tel No: 081-28 32 19. Agios Nicholaos The Archaeological Museum of Agios Nicholaos contains a rich collection of finds from excavations in eastern Crete. Museum Tel No: 0841-24 943. ANTIQUITIES Chania Aptera Aptera (B3), one of the most important cities of ancient western Crete, was built during the 7th century BC. Located on a site 15 kms from Chania, south of Souda Bay and near the village of Megala Chorafia, has a panoramic view of the whole plain of Chania. The city walls, still standing, are reminiscent of the Cyclopean walls of Tiryns and Mycenae. One can also see the remains of a small temple of Demeter (built at the 1st century BC), a Roman theatre, and the enormous vaulted cisterns of the Roman period-excellent condition. Polirinia (Polyrhenia) The ruined walls and the acropolis of ancient Polirinia lie in a naturally fortified position, 49 km west of Chania, and 7km south of Kissamos. Polirinia, an important ancient city of western Crete, was founded with the help of the Achaeans, who succeeded the Minoans as overlords of the island. The earliest findings date from the 6th century BC. Falassarna (Phalassarna) This town, the port of ancient Polirinia, lay to the west of it, in the base of the extreme northwest peninsula of the district of Chania. The ruins - remains of Cyclopean walls, tombs, house foundations, sculptures carved out of rocks, most notably a throne - are found near the village of Kourti. Heraklion Amnissos Located 7½ km east of the city of Heraklion, Amnissos was the port of Knossos. It was here that the archaeologists found the Villa of the Frescoes of Amnissos, also called the Villa of the Lilies. Archanes The village of Archanes is located 15 kms south of Heraklion. Excavations in the village brought to light a well-preserved building that must have been a summer palace. On the hill of Fourni (1 km NW of Archanes) there are vaulted tombs dated to between 2500-1250 BC. At Anemospilia Archanes, in the foothills of the Holy Mountain of Yiouchta was discovered a Minoan sanctuary sacred not only to Archanes but Knossos as well. Gortys Gortys was one of the most important cities of Crete, and is 46 kms south of Heraklion. The history of the city has its origins in the Minoan era, as testified by the ruins of the 16th century BC farmhouse, which has been excavated, but the city flourished particularly during the Roman era. Gortys was the capital of the Roman province of Crete and Cyrenaica. The most distinctive monuments are the Praetorium (2nd century AD), residence of the Roman governor of the province and the Nymphaion (2nd century AD), where the Nymphs were worshipped; the temple of Pythian Apollo; the sanctuary of the Egyptian divinities; and the Odeon, where the famous inscription with the laws of Gortyn was found. Plato spoke of these laws, which were written in a Doric dialect and date from the 6th century BC, with admiration. Knossos Palace Knossos, the capital of the Minoan culture, was built 5 km east of Heraklion and inhabited since the Neolithic era. The first palace of Knossos was built around 1900 BC. Two hundred years later it was destroyed by an earthquake and rebuilt, becoming grander and more luxurious. The final catastrophe occurred about 1500-1400 BC, according to one theory, with the eruption of the volcano in Santorini. Despite this blow, people continued to live there for another fifty years, until a fire swept through the city circa 1400 BC. The Minoan palaces were not only the residence of the ruling house, they were also administrative and religious centres for the whole region. The ruins of the capital of the Minoan Kingdom include the palace of King Minos, the homes of the officials and priests who surrounded him (Little Palace, Caravanserai, House of the Frescoes, etc.), the homes of ordinary people and the cemetery. The palace was a labyrinthine complex built around a central court. This multi-storeyed construction covered an area of 22.000 sq ms and, in addition to the royal quarters, also contained places of worship, treasuries, workshops and storerooms. Malia The archaeological place of Malia is located 34 kms east of Heraklion and 3 kms beyond the summer resort of the same name. Excavations have brought to light a palace similar to the ones at Knossos and Festos (also built around 1900 BC and abandoned about 1450 BC). At Chrissolakos (Pit of Gold), archaeologists also unearthed the districts surrounding the Minoan palace and cemetery. The palace covered an area of about 9000 sq ms. Many of the objects now on display in Heraklion's Archaeological Museum were found at Malia. Festos (Phestos) 63 km southwest of Heraklion and about 78 km southeast of Rethymnon, was the second most important palace-city of Minoan Crete. The residence of the mythical Radamanthes, the palace was also the nucleus of a settlement inhabited to that of Knossos. Here too the rooms are arranged around a court. On the other hand, it contrasts to Knossos, the frescoes decorating the walls being covered with a lining of pure white gypsum. The area of this palace was 9000 sq ms. Agia Trias In Agia Trias, 2½-3 km west of Festos, were found the ruins of a royal villa which was probably the summer palace of the Festos rulers. Certain of the more important pieces on exhibit in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum - the larnax, the Harvester Vase, and the impeccably painted frescoes - come from this site. Tilissos 14 kms southwest of Heraklion lie the ruins of one of the oldest Minoan cities of central Crete, including three large buildings, residences of the local lords. Vathipetro In Vathipetro, 9 kms south of Heraklion, the ruins of a large Minoan mansion, a country estate belonging to a local nobleman, were discovered. The ruins include a wine press, olive press, weaving rooms and a possible potter's kiln. Lassithi Gournia Gournia, is one of the most noteworthy archaeological sites in Crete and the best preserved of the Minoan settlements. It is located 19 kms southeast of Agios Nicholaos and 15 kms north of Ierapetra and appears to date from 1550-1450 BC. The ruins of the town include small houses and a small palace on top of a hill; even the narrow streets and connecting stairways have survived amidst the foundations of the houses. Driros (Dreros) The archaeological site of Driros, 16 kms northwest of Agios Nicholaos, comprises two acropolises with an Archaic agora between them. South of the agora, there is a temple from the Geometric period, the Delphinion, dedicated to Apollo, as well as a large cistern dug between the late 3rd and early 2nd century BC. Katw Zakros 117 km southeast of Agios Nicholaos is the site of a luxurious Minoan palace, the fourth in significance on the island, which produced a number of important finds, now in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. This palace which covered 7000 to 8000 sq ms and contained royal apartments, storerooms and various workshops, and nearby city were destroyed around 1450 BC by a violent earthquake, most probably the one that caused a whole section of the island of Santorini to sink into the sea. Zakros was a major Minoan naval base, which established trading connections with Egypt and other countries of West Asia. It was from here that Minoan farming estates, two sacred peaks, a cemetery and cave tombs have been discovered. Lato 15 kms west of Agios Nicholaos, is spread out on the slopes of two acropolises. Founded in the 7th century BC, it was one of the most powerful cities in Crete in its heyday. The ruins include the city walls houses and shops from different periods built on terraces. Palekastro 90 kms east of Agios Nicholaos, 20 kms from Sitia, at Roussolakos, has some remains of a port settlement. VENETIAN BUILDINGS Chania Of the old Venetian city of Chania, one whole neighbourhood remains, while of the fortifications (early 13th century), the bastions, moat and ruins of the walls surrounding the city have survived and well preserved. Plenty of monuments from that era, are still in existence in the city. Among them are the Loggia (once, a gentlemen's social club), the Hiones (Neoreia) dating since 16th century, the breakwater of the Venetian harbour and the churches of San Francesco (now houses the Archaeological Museum), San Rococo and of the Savior (Sotiros). District of Chania The Vila Rotonda, most probably the country estate of some Venetian feudal lord, dates since the 16th or 17th century and it is located southwest of Kissamos (43 kms west of the city, and near the village of Kalathenes). At Agia Gramvoussa, a remote islet in the northwest of the district, are the remains of a Venetian fort. Getting to the islet is difficult, and can only be done by boat from Kissamos, weather permitting, departing early in the morning during the summer. At Paleochora, washed by the waves of the Libyan Sea, 73 kms south of Chania, the ruins of the Castel Selino rise out of the shore. This fortress was built in 1279 by Duke Marino Gradenigo, governor of Crete. Frangokastello about 11 kms east of Chora Sfakion (Sfakia), is the site of the old "Castel Franco" (Franchise Castle), built by the Venetians in 1371 as a defence against pirates and Cretan rebels. Rethymnon The Great Gate, one of the old city gates left over from the Venetian fortifications of 1450-1570. The Loggia, mid-16th century, was a social club where the lords and noblemen used to meet and relax. It is now the Archaeological Museum. The Fortezza, north of the city, on Paleokastro Hill. Built in 1574, it offers a marvelous view of the city and the sea. The facades of Venetian houses, most of which are found in the old city. The churches of San Francesco and Our Lady of the Angels, known as the church of the "Little Virgin" (Mikri Panayia). The Rimondi Fountain, north of Petihaki Square, a 17th century work. Heraklion The old fortifications at Chandax (the old name of Heraklion), reinforced for the Venetians in 1462, are still in good condition today. Of the fortress's seven bastions, the one called Martinengo - where the simple tomb of the famous cretan writter N. Kazantzakis is located - has survived and offers a view over the entire city. Two of the four entrance gates to the city, the Chania Gate and New Gate, still stand on the south side. Koules is the name of the imposing fortress at the entrance to the Venetian harbour. It was constructed between 1523 and 1540. The Bentenaki, the breakwater running from the Venetian harbour to the bay of Dermata or Koum-Kappi. The vaulted arsenals, the shipyards where the Venetian galleons were built. The Morosini (1628), Delimarco (1666) and Bembo (1588) fountains on the north side of Kornaros Square. The Palazzo Ducale, the residence of the Duke of Crete and the Loggia (reconstructed), the nobles social club. The basilika of San Marco (13th century), today an exhibition hall, and the Orthodox church of St. Titus (1446). District of Lassithi At Spinalonga rock-isle, at the entrance to Elounda Bay (12 kms from Agios Nicholaos), the site of the ruins of a fortified castle built by the Venetians in 1526 to present enemy ships from entering the harbour. In the city of Sitia (70 kms east of Heraklion), the scant remains of a fortress, built during the Byzantine era stand of the western limits on the city. On the far western side of the town of Ierapetra (36 kms southest of Agios Nicholaos), near the sea, lie the ruins of a fortress erected in the early years of Venetian rule and radically rebuilt in 1626 by Francesco Morosini the elder when he was governor of Crete. CHURCHES & MONASTARIES Capital of Crete during the Roman and Early Byzantine period, Gortys became the first Christian community in Greece in the year 65 AD, after St. Paul appointed Titus as bishop, with a mission to convert the whole of Crete. In the 16th century the Cretan School of painting, closely allied with the Byzantine tradition, produced numerous painters of icons, both famous and unknown. Crete is scattered with the ruins of countless frescoed churches dating from 961, when the Byzantine recaptured Crete from the Saracens, to 1204, when the island fell into the hands of the Venetians. Chania The chapel of Agion Anargiron with old Byzantine frescos. The Russo-Byzantine church of Agia Magdalini in the Halepa quarter. District of Chania At Akrotiri (A3) northeast of the city (16½ kms), the Monastery of Agia Triada, with a fine gate and church, built in 1632. Near Agia Triada, the Monastery of Gouverneto, founded in 1548, has a Renaissance style church whose impressive facade is decorated with Venetian sculptures. The Gonia Monastery (or Monastery of Hodigitria), (A2), near the village of Kolimpari (24 kms west of Chania), has a lovely view and dates since 1662. At Kato Episkopi (B2), a village about 10 kms south of Kolimbari, the Rotonda of the Archangel Michael with interesting mosaic floors and important frescoes by Byzantine artists of the 12th century. At the village of Alikianos (B2) (13 kms southwest of Chania), the Byzantine church of St. George with frescoes dated 1430. At the village of Sougia (C2) on the south coast of the District, there are some exquisite mosaics from an early Christian 6th century basilica preserved in the village's modern church. District of Rethymnon The Monastery of Arkadi (Moni Arkadi, B5) (23 kms southeast of Rethymnon), built in the 16th century in a wonderful natural setting. It is linked with memorable events in the island's struggle against Turkish oppression. There is a tourist pavilion outside the monastery. The Monastery of Preveli (C5) (36 kms south of Rethymnon). A historic monastery well worth visiting with a small museum and beautiful view of the Libyan Sea (Liviko Pelagos). Heraklion The Cathedral of St. Minas and the smaller church of Agios Minas beside it. The church of St. Catherine, containing icons by Michael Damaskinos, the most important representative of the Cretan School. District of Heraklion At Skotini about 1 km northwest of Fodele (B7) the little church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary (Issodia tis Theotokou) built on the site of an older church of the 11th or 12th century. About 56 kms southwest of Heraklion the Monastery of Vrondissi (C6) with a fountain carved in the relief (15th century) at the entrance to the garden and a panoramic view. Further southwest, near the village of Vorizia (C6, 52 kms from Heraklion), the abandoned Monastery of Varsamoneri. Here one can see the church of Agios Phanourios whose 15th century frescoes are of great artistic and scientific value, a unique monument of the Cretan School. At Gortys (Gortis, D7) the three-apsed basilica (6th century) dedicated to St. Titus, the first Bishop of Crete (6th century AD). (The archaeological site of Gortyn is located on the main road that runs to south central Crete from the capital Heraklion. The original settlement covered an area of approximately 10 kms. Gortyn is one of the most important ancient cities of prehistoric Crete. Whilst its story goes back as far as the Minoan period, one particularly important period was that which followed the occupation of Crete by the Dorians (1100 BC). Later, during the Roman occupation (68 BC), Gortyn was the largest city in Crete with 300,000 inhabitants. The city was destroyed in 828 AD by Arabs. One of the many important facts about Gortyn is that it was the first city that accepted Christianity. The first Christian temples were built there and the remains of the biggest and most important Christian cathedral of Crete can still be seen today. The cathedral is dedicated to St. Titus, the first Bishop of Crete (6th century AD). Parts of the Roman settlement, such as the theatre (2nd century AD), have been unearthed during excavations. The theatre has two entrances and a half-circular orchestra the outline of which can still be seen today. Behind the Roman Theatre you can see the so-called "Queen of the Inscriptions". These inscriptions are the laws of the city of Gortyn (6th-5th century BC) and formed the basis for modern Greek legislation. The laws are inscribed, in the Dorian dialect, on large stone slabs and are still plainly visible. Gortyn is connected to the myth of Zeus and Europe. Zeus, the father of all gods, fell in love with Europe, the princess of Finiki in Asia Minor. The young princess was playing with her friends by the beach when Zeus transformed into a beautiful white bull and galloped towards her. Europe admired the approaching bull and jumped on his back. Zeus (still as a bull) galloped off and crossed the sea until they reached the city of Gortyn. He and Europe had an affair under a plane tree (platanos), a tree that may be still be seen today in Gortyn. Following this affair three boys were born and they later became the kings of the three Minoan Palaces in Crete. The mention of 'Europe' in this myth gives weight to the claim that the civilization of the European continent was born on the island of Crete.) Near Krassi, west of Agios Nikolaos, the Monastery of Kardiotissa (C9), with its church consecrated to the Virgin of Kera. District of Lassithi Some 9 km. from Agios Nikolaos before the village of Kritsa, the church of Our Lady of Kera (C9), filled with frescoes from the 14th or 15th century and judge to be the finest in Crete. East of Sitia (18 kms), the Monastery of Toplou or the Panayia (Virgin). The Akrotiriani Monastery (C12), dating from the 1st century. The monastery contains an inscription from the 2nd century BC and a famous 18th century icon by Ioannis Kornaros. South of Sitia (41 kms), the Monastery of Kapsa (D11). We hope that the above information - only a small amount of what you can do, where you can go and what you can see - will tempt you to come and holiday in Crete. |
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