Tag: mysticcrete
Spinalónga, Lasithi, Greece
Spinalonga was fortified by the Venetians to defend the very popular port of Elounda from pirates and the Ottoman empire forces that had already invaded Cyprus at that time
Spinalónga, Lasithi, Greece
Spinalonga was not always an island. It was part of Spinalonga peninsula but in 1526 Venetians curve it in order to create this small islet for fortifying purposes. The distance between the peninsula and Spinalonga is 170 meters
Spinalónga, Lasithi, Greece
The official name of Spinalonga is Kalydon, but not many people use this name. There is a confusion about the name of Spinalonga which also is used for the peninsula (the large Spinalonga) near the islet. The name Spinalonga created during the Venetians era and although it can been translated from Latin as a long thorn (suitable for the shape of the peninsula) the name origin is different. Locals used to refer to the peninsula as 'stin elounda' which means 'to Elounda' and as Venetians where not able to understand this phrase they familiarized it in their own language. So, the name Spinalonga created
Spinalónga, Lasithi, Greece
Next to the town Plaka, a small island named Spinalonga is located in the Gulf of Elounda, in Lasithi. Spinalonga became the home of lepers for more that 50 years
Monastery of St. George Selinari
The monastery of Saint George at Selinari is located on the national road connecting Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos. Cretans believe that it is bad luck to pass by this monastery and don't pay a visit. This conception probably emerged as the monastery was the only inhabited place that could offer rest and cool water to travelers back in the old days before highways were built. There is also a popular Cretan song saying that "When you are passing by Malia, on your way to Selinari, light up a candle for the grace of Saint George"
Knossós, Iraklion, Greece
When Daedalus was ordered by King Minos to build the great labyrinth to keep inside the Minotaur (the half bull half man creature) he was not aware that the plan of Minos was to shut him up in a tower to prevent the path of the labyrinth to be spread to the public. Daedalus, which was a great craftsman, created artificial wings for himself and his son Icarus, also prisoner in the tower. The wings were made by feathers and strings while they were glued together using wax. Daedalus warned Icarus not to fly too high because the heat from the sun will melt the wax and destroy the wings. Icarus, which was a young boy, amazed by the ability to fly, soon forgot the warnings of his father and flew higher and higher until the feathers came of. Daedalus who saw his son to be drawned in the aegean sea named the nearest island, Icaria in memory of his child.
Réthimnon, Greece
The old town of Rethimno, is the best preserved old town of Crete. It was build by Venetian and locals today inhabit the same structures built at that era. Walking around the narrow alleys of old town is a great experience as at the same time you can visit the local souvenir shops, eat in beautiful decorated taverns and have a chance to pick a look inside local people homes and yards through the open windows and doors
Lake Kournas
Being at Kournas' lake always makes me feel different. I don't know if it's the water, or the nature with all the birds, the ducks and the turtles, or the landscape that reminds the wildness of a deserted island from a movie. Maybe it's the calm of floating on the lake with a small sea bike and hear nothing except the sounds of nature
