Tag: Greece
Gramvousá, Khania, Greece
Gramvousa was the first part of Cretan land that was liberated from the Ottoman occupation. It became the base of the Cretan fight for freedom and almost 3000 warriors were settled there. They utilized guerrilla welfare tactics and ambush Turks usually during night. The got the name 'kalisperides' (derived from the Greek word for good evening) because when they ambush the Turks they used to knock on their doors and say 'kalispera' wishing them a good evening
Imeri Gramvousa
Gramvousa's fort remained in Ottoman hands until 1825 where 300 Cretans returned from a fight in Peloponnese, disguised as Turks gained the control of the fort and use it as their base. Ottomans besieged the Cretans for more than two years. In order for them to survive, they frequently attacked passing ships usually of Turkish or Egyptian origin. Piracy became their primarily occupation and at the same time their community got organized and they built a school and a church. The church was named 'Panagia i Kleftrina' which translates to 'Mother of God for the thieves' and it was dedicated to the wifes of the pirates.
Imeri Gramvousa
The Gramvousa fortress allowed Venetians to protect their trade routes as it provides a great point of view that allowed them to see their enemies from far away.
Imeri Gramvousa
During the Morean War, a Napolitan captain betrayed the Venetians to the Ottoman Turks for a very big bribe. On 6th of December 1961, the captain surrendered the fortress to the Turks and lived the rest of his life in Constantinople where he became known with the nickname 'Captain Gramvousas'
Imeri Gramvousa
After losing Cyprus by the Ottomans, the Venetians started their plan of fortifying Crete. The fort at Imeri Gramvousa was part of this plan as many fortresses around Crete. The fort was built between 1579 and 1584 and remain to the Venetians until 1691
Imeri Gramvousa
Imeri Gramvousa is an uninhabited island in the municipality of Kissamos in Chania region. In ancient times the island used to be known as Korikos which means a bag made of leather. In 1573 Venetians after signing the pact with Ottomans, they start building a fortress to protect the coasts from their enemies.
Gramvousá, Khania, Greece
Gramvousa consists of two small islands named Imeri Gramvousa (Tame Gramvousa) and Agria Gramvousa (Wild Gramvousa). The name Gramvousa was given to the islands in honor of the wife of the last remaining pirate left on the island. The name of the pirate's wife was Vousa so the islands were referred to as Cavo Buso, Cavo Bouza, Garabusa and lastly as Gramvousa
Gramvousá, Khania, Greece
While in Chania, you have the chance to visit two of the most popular destinations in Crete: Balos lagoon and Gramvousa island. These two locations usually are offered as part of a cruise tour departing daily from Kissamos port. The stunning natural landscape and the astonishing beauty make Balos and Gramvousa extremely popular during summer for locals and tourists.
