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Heraklion, Crete Island, Greece
Heraklion or
Herakleion or Iraklion (Greek:
Ηράκλειο;
Italian: Candia), is the largest city and the
capital
of Crete. It is
also the 4th largest city in
Greece. Its
name is also spelled Herakleion (transliteration of ancient/Katharevousa
name), or Iraklio, with other variants. For centuries, it was called Candia (Greek:
Χάνδαξ or Χάνδακας,
Turkish: Kandiye).
Heraklion is the capital of
Heraklion Prefecture. It has an
international airport named after the writer
Nikos Kazantzakis. The ruins of
Knossos,
which were excavated and restored by
Arthur
Evans, are nearby.
Heraklion is close to the ruins of the palace of
Knossos,
which in
Minoan times was the biggest centre of population on
Crete. So it is
very likely that there was a port here as long ago as
2000 BC.
There is however no archaeological evidence for such a port.
The present city of Heraklion was founded in
824 AD by the
Saracens (an
Arabic
Muslim people).
They built a moat
around the city for protection, and named the city خندق Ḫandaq, 'moat'. The
Saracens allowed the port to be used as a safe haven for pirates, much to the
annoyance of the nearby
Byzantine Empire.
In
961, the Greek Empire
of Constantinople ("Byzantine Empire") under the command of
Nikiforos Fokas who was later to become a Greek
Emperor, attacked and defeated the city, slaughtered the Saracens, looted
the city, and burned it to the ground. They remained in control of the rebuilt
Khandak for the next 243 years.
In
1204, the city was
bought by the
Venetians as part of a complicated political deal which involved among other
things, the Crusaders of the
Fourth Crusade restoring the deposed
Byzantine emperor
Isaac II Angelus to his throne. The Venetians improved on the ditch by
building enormous fortifications, most of which are still in place, including a
giant wall, in places up to 40m thick, with 7 bastions, and a fortress in the
harbour. Khandak was renamed to Candia in
Italian and became the seat of the Duke of Candia. As a result, the Venetian
administrative district of Crete became known as "Regno di Candia" (Kingdom of
Candia). The city retained the name of Candia for centuries and the same name
was often used to refer to the whole island of Crete as well. To secure their
rule, Venetians began in
1212 to resettle
families from Venice on Crete. The coexistence of two different cultures and the
influence of
Italian Renaissance lead to a flourishing of letters and the arts in Candia
and Crete in general, that is today known as the
Cretan Renaissance.
After the Venetians came the
Turks
of the
Ottoman Empire. They
besieged the
city for 22 years in a bloody war in which 30,000 Greeks (Cretans) and
120,000 Turks died.[citation
needed] The Venetians surrendered in
1669. Under the
Ottomans, the city was known officially as Kandiye (again also applied to the
whole island of Crete) but informally as Megalo Kastro 'Big Castle'. During the
Ottoman period, the
harbour
silted up, so most shipping shifted to
Hania in the west
of the island.
In the period of autonomy under Great Power
supervision (1898-1908), Candia was part of the British zone. With the rest of
Crete, it became part of the Independent
Cretan State in
1908, and was incorporated into the
Kingdom of Greece in
1913. Upon its
union with Greece it was renamed "Heraklion", after the
Roman
port of Heracleum 'Heracles' city' whose exact location is unknown.
The biggest monument of the city is the Venetian
medieval fortress Rocca al Mare (also known as Koules) located at the port.
Heraklion is an important shipping port and ferry
dock. The public can take ferries and boats from Heraklion to a multitude of
destinations including
Thira,
Rhodes,
Egypt,
Haifa and
mainland Greece.
Heraklion International Airport, or Nikos Kazantzakis Airport is located
about 5km east of the city. The airport is named after Herkalion native
Nikos Kazantzakis, a Greek writer and philosopher. It is the second busiest
airport of Greece, mostly due to the fact that Crete is a major destination for
tourists during summer. There are regular domestic flights to and from Athens,
Thessaloniki and Rhodes with
Aegean Airlines and
Olympic Airlines.
Cyprus Airlines flies to Larnaca via Rhodes. Furthermore,
Sky Express operates direct flights to Aegean islands such as Rhodes,
Santorini, Samos, Kos, Mytilini and Ikaria. During the summer period, traffic is
intense and the flight destinations are from all over Europe (mostly Germany, UK,
Italy and Russia). The airfield is shared with the 126 Combat Group of the
Hellenic Air Force.
KNOSSOS: The most famous archaeological site on Crete. It contains the ruins
of the largest and most luxurious Minoan palace, built in the middle of a
large town. The first palace was built around 2000 B.C. and destroyed around
1700 B.C. The second one was built immediately afterward , more magnificent than
the first. This was also destroyed, around 1500 B.C., most likely by the
terrible eruption of the volcano on Santorini. The excavations were carried out
in 1900 by the English archaeologist Arthur Evans who then reconstructed certain
sections of the ruins.
- West Court
- West Propylaia
- Corridor of the Procession
- South Propylaia
- Tri-Columnar Hall
Crete - Herakleion : Phaistos
The second most important town in Minoan Crete with the luxurious
palace of the mythical Radamanthys, the brother of Minos. The
palace was built twice. The first time around 1900 B.C. during the so-called
Old Palace Period. This was destroyed by an earthquake and in 1700 B.C.
a new and more luxurious one was built at its place during the New Palace
Period. The second one was also destroyed, around 1500 B.C., probably by
the eruption of the volcano on Santorini.
The ruins of the second palace are what the visitor mainly sees today.
Unlike the Palace of Knossos there have been no reconstructions or
additions here.
The ruins were uncovered and left untouched in the places they were found.
The architecture here is like that of Knossos with the palace being
built around a rectangular, oblong and flagged Central Court which is oriented
from north to south. Around the palace was the large Minoan town of
Phaistos.
Gortyn
For a length of 1km. after Ayioi Deka there are the r uins of a
large town scattered left and right of the road; during the Roman period this
was the Capital of Crete. There was a small settlement on the site of Gortyn
since the late Minoan period. But Gortyn became known later during the Archaic
period and reached the high point of its glory in 69 B.C. when the Romans made
it the capital of the Province of Crete and Cyrenaica and built many majestic
structures there, such us the Praetorium and the Odeion, next to
which were found th e famous Law-Code of Gortyn carved in stone blocks.
Opposite the ruins of the basilica of Ayios Titos, the road left leads
after 33 km. to the coast at Lendas . Ancient Lebena was on the
site of modern Lendas; it was built at the beginning of the Minoan period and
flour ished much later during the Roman period when the inhabitants of Gortyn
built a Temple of Asklepios there at the site of the therapeutic
springs. A gorgeous sand beach at Lendas is also suitable for winter
swimming.Winter is so mild that it is said the swallows spend it there. From
Lendas you can visit the remote Monastery of Koudoumas by caique. On
your return you follow the coast road which goes west to the marvelous sand
beach of Kales Limenes where the Apostle Paul landed.
 Matala
A fishing village which just a few years ago was known as a hippy center
and today has developed into a tourist resort. Matala was the port of Phaistos
and later Gortyn. There are carves carved out of limestone cliffs on the sheer
side of the north hill. West of Matala in the open waters of the Gulf of
Messara, are two uninhabited islands, Paximadia.
Kamares
A mountain village on the slopes of Psiloreitis at a height of 600 m. It
is the starting point for the climb up to the Cave of Kamares which was
used as a place of worship during the Minoan period. The famous Kamares ware
was found in this cave.
Elounda
A large tourist center. From here boats depart for a visit to the islet of
Spinalonga (picture) with its Venetian fortress, the isle of
tears, as it has been dubbed, because for 50 years this was the place
of exile for lepers. You can also visit Spinaloga from Agios
Nikolaos.
Agios Nikolaos,
capital of the Prefecture of Lasithi, is one of the most highly developed
tourist towns in Greece. It lies along the west of the Mirabello bay.
The main road axis of the island passes right outside the city limits ,
connecting it with Iraklion
(66 km) to the west, Sitia to the east (70 km) and
Ierapetra to the south (36 km). Agios Nikolaos is the administrative,
communications, cultural and commercial center of the Prefecture, with
approximately 8500 inhabitants. The climate in the area is mild with
extremely low humidity. It is an ideal place to relax and recover one's
energy. The sea in Agios Nikolaos is superb and the surrounding
area of the city is noted for its sandy beaches and beautiful bays.
 The
landmark of the city is a small lake, known as "Voulismeni"
that is located in the center of the city, at the foot of the cliffs. Its
shape is circular with a diameter of 137m.
According to the mythology, the goddess Athena used to take
her bath in this lake. The depth of the lake is 64 m and was connected to
the sea only recently, with a canal opened at 1870.
It is an especially picturesque site with many open-air cafes and
restaurants along the bank. Small boats leave the harbor to visit the
Venetian fortress of Spinaloga, near
Elouda .
Every summer the Municipality of Agios Nikolaos organizes cultural events,
music and dance events, theatrical performances, exhibitions, shows. Also,
during the Naval week, artistical swimming, water skiing, wind-surfing
contests are organized.
The "Goddess of Myrto" |
Agios Nikolaos also possesses the
second finest Archaeological Museum in Crete,
where splendid archaeological findings from throughout the Prefecture of
Lasithi are exhibited.
The tower of Mirabello-Old gravur |
Sitia
An attractive town with a harbour and a large sandy beach. The capital of
the easternmost province of Crete, it is built near the site of ancient Itea.
It has many traditional villages like Sfaka
(or Sphaka or Sphaca) which is the most important. The greek
writing of this wonderful village is: "Σφάκα">
The only ruins in the area are those of a Venetian castle
to the east of the town. But the Province of Siteia is also one of the oldest
centers of Minoan civilization as is shown by the finds at Mochlos, and the
islets of Pseira and Ayios Nikolaos.
Zakros
A verdant village with alluring lanes. From here the the road descends to
the sea passing alongside the Ravine of the Dead. Kato Zakros has a coastal settlement on a bay with pebbles and a
crystal-clear sea.This area became known for the famous Minoan palace which was discovered
here by Professor N. Platon in 1961.
The Palace of Zakros, the fourth of the great Minoan
palaces is very similar to the other three.
The difference is that the Palace of Zakros lay before a harbour which
played an important role in the commercial exchanges with Egypt and other
countries in the East.
The palace was destroyed the same year as the other palaces, that is
around 1500 B.C.
 Vai
The renowned palm forest with a great sand beach. It is a tropical
landscape which is an exception in Greece. It receives a large number
of visitors who come to see the rare landscape and enjoy its marvelous sea.
Crete - Lasithi : Toplou Monastery, Kapsas Monastery
Kapsas Monastery
A turn-off left to the Monastery of Kapsas next to the
Pervolakia ravine, in front of a sandy shore. The monastery
was probably built in the 15th century.
You return to the main route.Before it returns to Ierapetra the road
passes along the endless sandy beaches on the Libyan Sea with lovely
settlements such as Analipsi, Makrys Yialos, Koutsouras, Achlia, Ayia
fotia and Ayioi Saranta.
 Toplou Monastery
It is a historic monastery on the northeast end of Crete, known for the
struggle it waged against pirates and Turks. It was built in the 15th century,
most probably on the ruins of an older monastery. It was a true fortress, and
even had a cannon. It has notable relics and wonderful icons.
Kritsa
One of the largest traditional villages on the Crete with heightened
tourist activity, known for its embroideries, knitwear and woven articles. In
August there is a re-enactment of the famed Cretan wedding.
From Kritsa ancient Lato is 3,5 km. away. Lato e
Etera, as it is called to distinguish it from Lato pros
Kamara, which was on the site of Ayios Nikolaos, was once a powerful
town, built around the 7th century B.C.
Diktaean Andron
The road ends below the entrance to the cave. According to mythology, the
cave is the place where Rhea gave birth to Zeus. The cave was a place of
worship from the end of the Middle Minoan to the end of the Late Minoan
period.
Archanes
You follow the road to Knossos. At the 11th km. you turn right.
Epano Archanes is a market town amid vineyards, which
produces the fine rozaki grapes. In the environes of Archanes
there are the old churches of the Archangel Michael and
Ayia Triada, from the 14th century.
Many of the areas near Archanes are of archaeological interest such as
Tourkoyeitonia, Fournoi, Anemospilia, the peak sanctuary of
Jucktas and Vathypetro.
 Vrontisi Monastery
One of the most notable monasteries on Crete. It was built around 1400 and
in the beginning was a monastic estate of the neighbouring Varsamonero
Monastery (one of the oldest monasteries in Crete and the most important
in terms of the number and the quality of its wall paintings). The monastery's
fountain from the 15th century is fabulous, with wonderful sculptures
depicting Adam and Eve in Paradise.
The monastery began to flourish in 1500, when it appears the other one at
Varsamonero was abandoned. It was a spiritual center and it is even said the
great painter Michael Damaskinos lived and painted there.
The
Palace of Malia
The third most important Minoan palace after Knossos and Phaistos. It has
an area of 12,000 sq. m.
It was built like the other Minoan palaces around 1900 B.C., destroyed
around 1700 B.C. and then built again more brilliant than before only to be
finally abandoned in 1450 B.C. after a new calamity.
Crete - Rethymno : Arkadi Monastery
It is one of the most glorious monasteries in Greece while in
Crete it is revered for the holocaust that happened there. In
this monastery, on November 8, 1866, about a thousand people (monks, warriors,
women and children) led by the Abbot Gabriel preferred to die by blowing
up the powder magazine than to fall into the hands of the Turks.
The monastery was founded during the time of the Venetian occupation. Its
high walls are reminiscent of a fortress and the church, which has a baroque
facade, is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Crete.
It is double-aisled and dedicated to the Transfiguration of the Savior and Agios
Konstantinos and Agia Eleni.
There are many eminent relics in the monastery's museum. To go to the
monastery you follow the road to Herakleion and turn right at the 5th
km.
Crete - Rethymno : Plakias, Preveli's Monastery
You follow the road that goes uphill towards the village of Arenoi. Both
roads at the junction on the 19th km lead to Plakias. The one straight ahead
passes through the Kourtaliotiko ravine after 4 km.
On the 21st km, a branch on the left leads to Spili and
Ayia Galini. After 8 km, you come across a left turn-off at
Asomatos which leads after 4 km. to the Lower Monastery of
Preveli .
Another 3 km. and you arrive at the Rear Monastery of
Preveli (St. John the Theologian) which is the main monastery and the
one that played an important role in the Cretan liberation
struggles.
Two kilometers from the monastery, the road ends at a path that leads to a
river with palm trees which flows through the Kourtaliotiko ravine. It is
worth the effort to go there and see the lake that has formed at its mouth.
From Asomatos you return to your main route to Plakias. On the 36th km
there is a branch which goes to Sfakia (42 km.) passing through the charming
villages of Myrthios, Selia, Kato and Ano
Rodakino.
After 4 km you finally reach Plakias. The ravishing sand beach and the
beauty of the surrounding area have contributed to its spectacular development.
A short distance from Plakias are the celebrated sand beaches of
Damoni (2 km.) and Ammoudi (3 km.).
Spili
The lovely main village of the area at the feet of mountain Kedros. It is
the capital of the Province of Ayios Vasileios, renowned for its abundant
water and dense flora. There, in the square with the plane trees, the water
runs from the 19 mouths of stone lions.
Anogeia
A large mountain village at a height of 740 m., which is a municipality
and subject to the Province of Mylopotamos. It is near the border with the
Prefecture of Herakleion.
Anogeia is well-known for its fabulous weaving with brilliant colours and
the traditional Cretan designs. Its central square and lanes are full of these
woven articles, which are on display for sale, giving the village a flavor all
its own.
Anogeia, isolated on the north slopes of mountain
Psiloreitis was a
center of revolutionary activities against the Turks. During World War II it
was also distinguished as a focal point of the Greek resistance against the
Germans. Anogeia was horribly punished for these activities. The Germans razed it to the ground in August 1944. It was rebuilt and today
is a noted tourist center. During the summer, parties are organized in the
taverns at night, with Cretan dances.
Nida Plateau - Idaean
Cave
At the end of the road and altitude of 1,500 m. is the Nida
Plateau. Next to the road is a tourist pavilion so you can rest and
enjoy the view of the plain which seems like a huge dry lake, surrounded by
high mountains. A half a kilometer from the pavilion, on the rocky slopes of Psiloreitis,
is the Idaean Cave. Magnificent, at the base of a gigantic
rock, beneath the highest mountain on Crete, just the right place for a cave
that mythology says was where Zeus, the father of all the gods, was
raised.
From the Idaean Cave you can ascend to the highest peak of Mt. Idi,
Timios Stavros (2,456 km.) in about 5 hours.
Kandanos
The capital of the Province of Selino. It was destroyed by the Germans
because of its participation in the resistance. Many eminent Byzantine
churches can be found in the surrounding villages, with walls full of
paintings.
Palaiochora
A market town with a spectacular sandy beach and warm sea. It is even
suitable for swimming in winter.
Kastelli
Kissamos
It is built on the site of ancient Kissamos, the port of the ancient town
of Polyrrenia. Later, when it was occupied by the Romans, a new theater and
Roman villas were built on top of the old town. The town then passed to the
Arabs, and later the Venetians, who built a small castle (Kastelli) from which
it took its new name. Kastelli is the capital of the Province of Kissamos,
known for its superb wine. It has a harbour and is connected by a ferry boat
to Gytheio.
Crete - Chania : Omalos, Samaria Gorge, Sfakia, Falasarna
Omalos.
A plateau at an altitude of 1.050 m., famed for the struggles for the
liberation of Crete. On the way to Samaria you can take a
left turn to the Kallergis refuge in the White Mountains from where the ascent
to the highest peak Mt. Pachnes (2,453 m.) is made in about 7 hours.
From Xyloskalos you descend the celebrated Samaria
Gorge, the most stupendous gorge in Europe, to the
Libyan Sea. The gorge has running water, ponds and plane trees. 18 km. long,
it requires about 6 hours for the walk through it, and finally ends at
Ayia Roumeli. From there you can take a ship of the line to
Chora Sfakion. From Sfakia you will return to Chania. You can make this
excursion from May 1 to October 31.
Chora Sfakion
Isolated on the difficult to reach coast of the Libyan sea,it was the
center for the revolts to liberate the island. The old houses with the folk
architecture resemble Aegean architecture and are built amphitheatrically
around the harbour.From Sfakia you can take excursions on a small boat to
Loutro, Ayia Roumeli, Sougia, Palaiochora and the islet of
Gavdos
Falasarna
One of the most ravishing sandy beaches on the Crete with emerald waters.
It is impressive for its extent and charm. At the end of the sandy beach there
is is a steep and rocky hill on the top of which is the acropolis of ancient Falasarna.
Crete - Chania : Topolia, Chrysoskalitissa Monastery, Elafonissi
Chrysoskalitissa Monastery
Down on the south-west extremity of Crete is a bay with enormous black
rocks. On the highest one of them is perched the most beloved but also the
most remote monastery.
Topolia
A large village with the Byzantine churches of Ayios Ioannis, Ayia
Paraskevi, Timios Stavros. A few kilometers beyond the village the Topolia Ravine begins. The road passes through a tunnel and
arrives at the cave of Ayia Sophia. The chapel of Ayia Sophia is at its
entrance.
Elafonissi
A small island brimming with tranquility colour and light. It has a
lace-like coastline and dazzling sand dunes with small cedar trees and
lilies.
ADDITIONAL LINKS ABOUT ABOUT
CRETE
AND GREECE
Interkriti.com
WorldTravels.com
World66.com
www.choosegreece.comAcademic Links
Contact
us
VISIT SFAKA -- Επισκεφτείτε τη Σφάκα
http://www.wseas.org/sfaka
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