Seven day tour of Crete

!!!Crete in pictures from a seven-day bus- tour
%%lang,english
by [Werner Gobiet|Infos_zum_AF/Editorial_Board/Gobiet,_Prof._Dr._Werner_(Bau-und_Verkehrswesen,_Behindertenhilfe)]
%%

\\


Crete [{GoogleMap location='Greece, Crete'}] has an area of 8261 square kilometers, making it the largest Greek island. It has a population of 623,000. North of the island is the sea of Crete, south is the Lybian sea. Crete is quite mountainous. A chain of mountains stretches all the way from East to West reaching an elevation of up to 2.500 m. Almost all potos were taken by Werner Gobiet, except in the few cases were other sources are mentioned in the captions.  

\\

[{TableOfContents }]



!!Monastery Arkadi

The monastery is first mentioned in writing in the 14 th century. Its spiritual and culturual importance continued until 1866, when it was destroyed by the Osman army. The monastry was desparately defended for two days. But when it became clear that the resistinace would not be enough everyone in the monastery (fighters, women and children) went into the gun-powder storage room and blew themselves up, together with a good part of the monastery.

\\

%%center
[{Image src='2018-04-13 09.27.23--a.jpg' height='320' class='image_block' caption='Entrance door\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 13.4.2018' alt='Entrance door' width='251'}]
[{Image src='2018-04-13 09.29.17--b.jpg' height='320' class='image_block' caption='Church of monastery \\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 13.4.2018' alt='Church of monastery' width='383'}]
[{Image src='2018-04-13 09.57.25--a.jpg' height='320' class='image_block' caption='Altar\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 13.4.2018' alt='Altar' width='411'}]
[{Image src='2018-04-13 09.57.48--a.jpg' height='390' class='image_block' caption='Saint George \\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 13.4.2018' alt='Saint George' width='282'}]
[{Image src='2018-04-13 10.04.26--a.jpg' height='390' class='image_block' caption='Mary with child Jesus\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 13.4.2018' alt='Mary with child Jesus' width='222'}]
[{Image src='2018-04-13 09.33.21--a.jpg' height='390' class='image_block' caption='Garden of monastery 1\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 13.4.2018' alt='Garden of monastery 1' width='506'}]
[{Image src='2018-04-13 10.01.40--a.jpg' height='300' class='image_block' caption='Garden of monastery 2\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 13.4.2018' alt='Garden of monastery 2' width='447'}]
[{Image src='2018-04-13 09.33.56--a.jpg' height='300' class='image_block' caption='The seat of the abbot was destroyed in the 1866 uprising but rebuilt in 1905\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 13.4.2018' alt='The seat of the abbot was destroyedd in the 1866 uprising but rebuilt in 1905' width='216'}]
[{Image src='2018-04-13 09.47.13--b.jpg' height='300' class='image_block' caption='Stairs\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 13.4.2018' alt='Stairs' width='358'}]
[{Image src='2018-04-13 10.06.49--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Room for provisions: Food and living area for worker, pilgrims and the very poor\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 13.4.2018' alt='Room for provisions' width='405'}]
[{Image src='2018-04-13 10.05.00--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Wallpainting in the former dining roorm for monks, showing Mary and child Jesus\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 13.4.2018' alt='Wallpainting in the former dining roorm for monks, showing Mary and child Jesus' width='633'}]
[{Image src='2018-04-13 10.11.19--b.jpg' height='400' class='image_block' caption='Memorial: Old wine cellar, later room for gun powder. Was destroyed by Omans by fire 1866.\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 13.4.2018' alt='Memorial' width='400'}]
[{Image src='2018-04-13 09.36.45--a.jpg' height='400' class='image_block' caption='The very old cyprus, also burnt in 1866 in a fire used by the Turks in the fight. \\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 13.4.2018' alt='old burnt cypress' width='209'}]
%%

!!Archaeological Museum Elefthera

The new museum was built next to the old city of Elefthera [{GoogleMap location='Elefthera, Crete'}]. Exhibits range from the early ice to Byzantine times 3000 BCto 1300 A.D.,mainly form the old city of Eleftherna.

\\
%%center
[{Image src='2018-04-13 11.39.31--a.jpg' height='300' class='image_block' caption='Building\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 13.4.2018' alt='Building' width='687'}]
[{Image src='2018-04-13 11.53.53--a.jpg' height='300' class='image_block' caption='Picture at entrance\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 13.4.2018' alt='Picture at entrance' width='362'}]
[{Image src='2018-04-13 11.47.12--a.jpg' height='340' class='image_block' caption='Sculpture \\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 13.4.2018' alt='Sculpture' width='254'}]
[{Image src='2018-04-13 11.50.10--a.jpg' height='340' class='image_block' caption='Meadow with flowers nearby\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 13.4.2018' alt='Meadow with flowers nearby' width='501'}]
[{Image src='2018-04-13 12.05.03--a.jpg' height='340' class='image_block' caption='Flower\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 13.4.2018' alt='Flower' width='247'}]
[{Image src='2018-04-13 11.42.28--a.jpg' height='400' class='image_block' caption='Landscape\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 13.4.2018' alt='Landscape' width='618'}]
%%

!!Rethymnon

Rethymnon [{GoogleMap location='Rethymnon, greece'}]  ist one of the most beautiful cities of Crete with currently some 22.000 inhabitants. Like many places west of Heraklion the old city has quite a bit of oriental flair and is still largely intact. The nice venitian harbour is an obvious place to start some  strolling around, with many coffe houses and restaurants inviting visitors. 

\\

%%center
[{Image src='2018-04-13 14.49.55--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Venetian harbour \\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 13.4.2018' alt='Venetian harbour' width='458'}]
[{Image src='2018-04-13 14.49.03--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Fish-restaurant in Venetian harbour\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 13.4.2018' alt='Fish-restaurant in Venetian harbourn' width='230'}]
[{Image src='2018-04-13 13.02.05--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Old city 1\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 13.4.2018' alt='Old city 1' width='166'}]
[{Image src='2018-04-13 13.04.02--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Old city 2\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 13.4.2018' alt='Old city 2' width='167'}]
[{Image src='2018-04-13 13.06.42--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Old city 3\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 13.4.2018' alt='Old city 3' width='302'}]
[{Image src='2018-04-13 13.13.56--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Old city 4\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 13.4.2018' alt='Old city 4' width='204'}]
[{Image src='2018-04-13 14.41.15--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Door of Old city\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 13.4.2018' alt='Door of Old city' width='203'}]
[{Image src='2018-04-13 13.08.30--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Mosque of Pasha Nerazze, today a school of music\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 13.4.2018' alt='Mosque of Pasha Nerazze, today a school of music' width='295'}]
[{Image src='2018-04-13 13.12.16--b.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Entrance to mosque\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 13.4.2018' alt='Entrance to mosque' width='171'}]
[{Image src='2018-04-13 13.15.21--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Rimondi-Well to provide water, 1629\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 13.4.2018' alt='Rimondi-Well to provide water, 1629' width='346'}]
[{Image src='2018-04-13 13.15.21--b.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Part of well. \\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 13.4.2018' alt='Part of well' width='256'}]
[{Image src='2018-04-13 14.22.13--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='4-martyr church\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 13.4.2018' alt='4-martyr church' width='380'}]
%%


!!Monastery Agia Triada

The monastery is situated on the peninsula Akotiri [{GoogleMap location='Akotiri, Crete'}]. It is the largest monastery on Crete.  It was founded by the brothers Tzangarola in the 16 th century. The monastery is quite active also economically,  producing bio-olive oil and bio-wine of highest quality. Those and other products can be purchased in the monastery's shop. 

\\

%%center
[{Image src='DSCN0244--a.jpg' height='340' class='image_block' caption='Approaching the monastery\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Approaching the monastery' width='227'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0177--d.jpg' height='340' class='image_block' caption='Entrance door\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Entrance door' width='166'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0183--a.jpg' height='340' class='image_block' caption='Monastery church\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Monastery church' width='381'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0214--a.jpg' height='340' class='image_block' caption='Monastery church, view form the back\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Monasterychurch of hinten' width='275'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0209--a.jpg' height='400' class='image_block' caption='Interior of church\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Interior of church' width='267'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0197--a.jpg' height='400' class='image_block' caption='Icon: Mary with child Jesus\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Icon: Mary with child Jesus' width='332'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0207--a.jpg' height='400' class='image_block' caption='Monastery Triada\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Monastery Triada' width='161'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0200--a.jpg' height='400' class='image_block' caption='Monastery Triada\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Monastery Triada' width='148'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0190--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Monastery building\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Monastery building' width='446'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0193--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Stairs\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Stairs' width='180'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0215--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Monastery garden 1\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Monastery garden 1' width='395'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0184--a.jpg' height='330' class='image_block' caption='Monastery garden 2\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Monastery garden 2' width='495'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0220--b.jpg' height='330' class='image_block' caption='Monastery garden 3\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Monastery garden 3' width='515'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0189--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Monk in monastery garden\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Monk in monastery garden' width='397'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0188--c.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Building in monastery garden\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Building in monastery garden' width='429'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0224--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Gown of priest\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Gown of priest' width='237'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0225--a.jpg' height='290' class='image_block' caption='Altar pieces\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Altar pieces' width='362'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0230--a.jpg' height='290' class='image_block' caption='Panel with Christ\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Panel with Christ' width='231'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0226--a.jpg' height='290' class='image_block' caption='Panel crowning of Mary\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Panel crowning of Mary' width='196'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0228--a.jpg' height='290' class='image_block' caption='Panel of Mary with Jesus\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Panel of Mary with Jesus' width='221'}]
%%

!!Burial monument of Eleftherios Venizelos

Venizelos came from a simple family in Crete. He was a politician advocating that Crete should join Greece. He became prime minister of Greece in 1910. Crete did indeed join Greece just a few years later in 1913.

\\

%%center
[{Image src='DSCN0250_b.jpg' height='370' class='image_block' caption='Burial chambers of Eleftherios Venizelos (1864 - 1936) and his son Sofoklis\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Burial chambers of Eleftherios Venizelos (1864 - 1936) and his son Sofoklis' width='432'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0248--a.jpg' height='370' class='image_block' caption='Spiros Kayales or Kayaledakis (1872 - 1929)\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Spiros Kayales or Kayaledakis (1872 - 1929)' width='275'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0251--a.jpg' height='370' class='image_block' caption='Fountain\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Fountain' width='258'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0259--a.jpg' height='430' class='image_block' caption='Flowers in the Park\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Flowers in the Park' width='280'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0245--a.jpg' height='430' class='image_block' caption='Chania in the distance\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Chania in the distance' width='645'}]
%%


!!Chania

Chania [{GoogleMap location='Chaina, Greece'}] was built on the ruins of the old city of Kydonia. It has a population of 60.000. In the old city motorized traffic is all but forbidden. This part of the city is full of markets, bazars, and boasts a medival harbour, a place for a stroll for both local and tourists in the evenings.  Many restaurants and coffee-houses in the harbour area invite you to stay for the rest of the day. Chania and Rethmyon are often said to be the most beautiful cities on Crete. 

\\

%%center
[{Image src='DSCN0265--a.jpg' height='300' class='image_block' caption='Catholic church \\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Catholic church' width='225'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0293--a.jpg' height='300' class='image_block' caption='Janissaries-Mosque, oldest turkish building (1645), exhibit area today\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Janissaries- Mosque, oldest turkish building (1645), exhibit area today' width='470'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0266--a.jpg' height='300' class='image_block' caption='Chania\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Chania' width='357'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0260--a.jpg' height='300' class='image_block' caption='Markethall (built 1911)\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Markethall (built 191' width='450'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0264--a.jpg' height='300' class='image_block' caption='Lane in old city 1\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Lane in old city 1' width='220'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0275--a.jpg' height='300' class='image_block' caption='Lane in old city 2\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Lane in old city 2' width='392'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0279--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Lane in old city 3\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Lane in old city 3' width='225'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0270--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Old city\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Old cityt' width='197'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0268--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Anaggnostas Mantakas (1817 - 1916), Leader for the fight for freedom \\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Anaggnostas Mantakas (1817 - 1916), Leader for the fight for freedom ' width='172'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0271--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Venitian Harbour\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Venitian Harbour ' width='451'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0289--2.jpg' height='240' class='image_block' caption='Coffeehouses and restaurants in the harbour area\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Coffeehouses and restaurants in the harbour area' width='731'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0285--b.jpg' height='240' class='image_block' caption='Lighthouse built around 1830\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Lighthouse built around 1830' width='334'}]
%%

!!Antique Aptera

The old city of Aptera [{GoogleMap location='Aptera, Greece'}]was built on a hill fittingly named Paleokastro.  North of Aptera is the bay of Souda, and in the south the impressive range of Lefka Ori (White mountains). The name Aptera is found in inscriptions of the 13 th and 14 century. A good part of the ongoing excavations is not open to the public. 

\\

%%center
[{Image src='DSCN0326--a.jpg' height='300' class='image_block' caption='The strategically important Souda bay is in the North\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='The strategically important Souda bay is in the North' width='445'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0322--a.jpg' height='300' class='image_block' caption='The impressive Lefka Ori (White mountains) in the South\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='The impressive Lefka Ori (White mountains) in the South' width='556'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0317-a.jpg' height='350' class='image_block' caption='Antique theatre 1\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Antique theatre 1' width='479'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0320--a.jpg' height='350' class='image_block' caption='Antique theatre 2\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Antique theatre 2' width='525'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0313--a.jpg' height='390' class='image_block' caption='Entrance to theatre\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Entrance to theatr' width='609'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0300--a.jpg' height='390' class='image_block' caption='Parts of a Roman villa\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Parts of a Roman villa' width='385'}]
%%

!!Monastery of Saint Johannes Theologos

In  Aptera a monastery to honour Saint Johannes Theologos was built,  but unfortunaly closed in 1964. However, the church is still in use today.

\\

%%center
[{Image src='DSCN0299--a.jpg' height='350' class='image_block' caption='Monastery\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Monastery' width='587'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0308--a.jpg' height='350' class='image_block' caption='Monastery courtyard\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Monastery courtyard' width='525'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0303--b.jpg' height='350' class='image_block' caption='Monastery\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Monastery' width='465'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0304--a.jpg' height='350' class='image_block' caption='Monastery-church\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Monastery- church' width='477'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0306--a.jpg' height='350' class='image_block' caption='Monastery-church inside\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Monastery- church inside' width='525'}]
%%



!!The fortifications of Koules and Itzedin 

Koules was built by Osmans during the revolution of 1866. Itzedin further down in the village of Kalami [{GoogleMap location='Kalami, Greece'}] was established in 1872 both for accomodating soldiers and as hospital. After liberation from the Turks it was use as prison and as a place to execute political prisoners.   

\\

%%center
[{Image src='DSCN0323--a.jpg' height='350' class='image_block' caption='Koules Fortress\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='Koules Fortres' width='542'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0328--a.jpg' height='350' class='image_block' caption='Itzedin Fortres\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='ItzedinFortres' width='525'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0329--a.jpg' height='350' class='image_block' caption='The fortresses allowed to control Souda bay\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='The fortresses allowed to control Souda bay' width='525'}]
%%


!!Kournas Lake

This is the most southernmost fresh-water lake[{GoogleMap location='Kournas lake, Greece'}] of Europe. The water comes form the white mountains mentioned earlier.

\\

%%center
[{Image src='DSCN0337--2.jpg' height='350' class='image_block' caption='The only fresh water lake on Crete\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 14.4.2018' alt='The only fresh water lake on Crete' width='742'}]
%%


!!Monastery Agios Georgios Selinari

The Monastery Agios Georgios Selinari is in a beautiful valley. Selinari means "wild gorge" in which the monastery is located. Unfortunately only a small part of the monastery is open to visitors. 
\\

%%center
[{Image src='DSCN0344--a.jpg' height='330' class='image_block' caption='Entrance\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 15.4.2018' alt='Entrance' width='400'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0348--a.jpg' height='330' class='image_block' caption='Main building of monastery\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 15.4.2018' alt='Main building of monastery' width='344'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0353--a.jpg' height='330' class='image_block' caption='Chapel of monastery\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 15.4.2018' alt='Chapel of monastery' width='252'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0349--b.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Monastery Selinari \\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 15.4.2018' alt='Monastery Selinari ' width='415'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0358--b.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='The pope prepares for a baptism\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 15.4.2018' alt='The pope prepares for a baptism' width='343'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0350--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Baptism gifts\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 15.4.2018' alt='Baptism gifts' width='212'}]
%%

!!Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos [{GoogleMap location='Agios Nikolaos'}] is one of the bestknown  tourist places with very good beaches. The city has a population of some 10.000 and is also in the competition for the title "most beautiful city of Crete".  The city is located at the place of the antique village  Lato pros Kamara. Voulismeni-Lake is in the center of the city, connected to the open sea with a short channel. 

\\

%%center
[{Image src='DSCN0367--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Harbour bay\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 15.4.2018' alt='Harbour bay' width='530'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0390--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Yachtharbour\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 15.4.2018' alt='Yachtharbour' width='510'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0388--b.jpg' height='370' class='image_block' caption='Handycrafts\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 15.4.2018' alt='Handycrafts' width='555'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0370--a.jpg' height='370' class='image_block' caption='Agios Nikolaos\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 15.4.2018' alt='Agios Nikolaos' width='215'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0398--a.jpg' height='370' class='image_block' caption='Agios Nikolaos\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 15.4.2018' alt='Agios Nikolaos' width='247'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0369--a.jpg' height='400' class='image_block' caption='Agios Nikolaos\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 15.4.2018' alt='Agios Nikolaos' width='202'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0373--a.jpg' height='400' class='image_block' caption='Orthodox church Agia Trada\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 15.4.2018' alt='Orthodox church Agia Trada' width='505'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0377--a.jpg' height='350' class='image_block' caption='Room in front of altar\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 15.4.2018' alt='Room in front of altar' width='525'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0379--a.jpg' height='350' class='image_block' caption='Iconostasis\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 15.4.2018' alt='Iconostasis' width='561'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0378--a.jpg' height='350' class='image_block' caption='Cupula of church\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 15.4.2018' alt='Cupula of church' width='547'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0385--a.jpg' height='350' class='image_block' caption='Gallery\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 15.4.2018' alt='Gallery' width='486'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0386--a.jpg' height='380' class='image_block' caption='Agios Nikolaos\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 15.4.2018' alt='Agios Nikolaos' width='373'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0382--a.jpg' height='380' class='image_block' caption='Saint Christophorus\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 15.4.2018' alt='Saint Christophorus' width='203'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0380--a.jpg' height='380' class='image_block' caption='Mary with child Jesus\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 15.4.2018' alt='Mary with child Jesus' width='449'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0401--a.jpg' height='380' class='image_block' caption='Europa on the Bull\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 15.4.2018' alt='Europa on the Bull' width='339'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0399--a.jpg' height='380' class='image_block' caption='Agios Nikolaos\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 15.4.2018' alt='Agios Nikolaos' width='251'}]
%%


!!Island  Spinalonga

The  Island  Spinalonga [{GoogleMap location='Spinalonga, Crete'}] has a complex history. It is important since it controls the entrance to the gulf of Elounda. Hence the island was fortified to protect the harbour Olous already in ancient times. The Venetians built a strong fortification on its ruins in the 16 tht century. However, Osmans conquered the fortress in 1715. Some 600 Christians living on the island  were deported, and Muslims started to live there. In 1881 their number was around  1.100. After the independence of Crete the islanda was used as a Leper colony (from 1903 to 1957), forcing all other inhabitants to leave. The island can be visited as part of a guided tour. 


\\

%%center
[{Image src='DSCN0412--a.jpg' height='330' class='image_block' caption='Approach via the mountains\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 15.4.2018' alt='Approach via the mountains' width='495'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0414--a.jpg' height='330' class='image_block' caption='By boat to the island\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 15.4.2018' alt='By boat to the island' width='577'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0417--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Spinalonga- South side\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 15.4.2018' alt='Spinalonga- South side' width='578'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0426--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Spinalonga- Westside\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 15.4.2018' alt='Spinalonga- Westside' width='488'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0433--a.jpg' height='300' class='image_block' caption='Spinalonga- SE Side\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 15.4.2018' alt='Spinalonga- SE Side' width='591'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0436--a.jpg' height='300' class='image_block' caption='Returning to Agios Nikolaos\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 15.4.2018' alt='Returning to Agios Nikolaos' width='450'}]
%%

!!Palace of Knossos
Knossos  [{GoogleMap location='Knossos, Crete'}]is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and has been called Europe's oldest city. The ancient city was once the center of the Minoan culture and is particulalry known because of the palace of Knossos. In this arae of a neolithic settlement a large, impressive and rich palace was built between 2.100 and 1.800 BC. It was destroyed by a massive earthquake around 1.700 BC, with addititonal damage done by a second quake around 1.400 BC.

[Sir Arthur Evans|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Evans], who unearthed the palace of Knossos in modern times, estimated that about 7.000 BC a Neolithic people arrived at the hill, probably from overseas by boat, and started the first of a succession of villages. 

Crete had a number of similar palaces (see below). However, at the height of Cretan power around 1,450 BC the palaces at Mallia, Phaestus and Zakro were destroyed along with smaller settlements elsewhere. Only Knossos remained and it survived till about 1370. At the time of its destruction, it was occupied by Greeks whose presence is suggested by a new emphasis on weapons and warfare in both art and burial. The Mycenaean-style chamber tombs had been adopted and there was a mainland influence on pottery style. Confirmation came from writing after Michael Ventris deciphered the Linear B tablets and showed them to be written in an early form of Greek which was quite unlike the earlier Linear A. Sir Arthur Evans found the Linear B tablets at Knossos and, although the writing was different from the Linear A ones at Phaestus and elsewhere, he thought they were a development based on the first and so called them Linear B.

Despite speculation that Knossos was destroyed by the volcanic eruption on Santorini, it is generally accepted that the cause was human violence following an invasion of Crete by Greeks from the Argolid, most probably Mycenaean. Knossos was still prosperous at the time of its destruction in 1.370 with trade and art continuing to thrive. Reasons for its destruction are speculative but a likely one is that the Mycenaeans, now prospering on the mainland, decided to remove a rival power. 

It is sometimes believed that Knossos palace contained the famous labyrinth of Minotaur, a monster that was finally killed by Theseus who used Ariandne's advice to escape from the maze using a thread attached to the entrance that he would use to find the way out. However, this early suggestion by Sir Arthur Evans has never been verified.  

More on Knossos see [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knossos].  




\\

%%center
[{Image src='DSCN0471--a.jpg' height='290' class='image_block' caption='Reconstructed N entrance\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 16.4.2018' alt='Reconstructed N entrance\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 16.4.2018' alt='Rekonstruierted N Entrance' width='407'}]' width='407'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0482--a.jpg' height='290' class='image_block' caption='Entrance street\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 16.4.2018' alt='Entrance street' width='399'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0480--a.jpg' height='290' class='image_block' caption='Panel in entrance\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 16.4.2018' alt='Panel in entranc' width='186'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0483--a.jpg' height='290' class='image_block' caption='Excavated Courtyard\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 16.4.2018' alt='Excavated Courtyard' width='482'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0463--a.jpg' height='290' class='image_block' caption='Chamber for provisions\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 16.4.2018' alt='Chamber for provisions' width='519'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0484--a.jpg' height='330' class='image_block' caption='Road for prcessions\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 16.4.2018' alt='Road for prcessions' width='473'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0477--a.jpg' height='330' class='image_block' caption='Reconstructed part of staircase\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 16.4.2018' alt='Reconstructed part of staircase' width='222'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0476--a.jpg' height='330' class='image_block' caption='Excavated stairs \\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 16.4.2018' alt='Excavated stairs' width='220'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0474--a.jpg' height='330' class='image_block' caption='Reconstructed part of the building\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 16.4.2018' alt='Reconstructed part of the building' width='495'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0470--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Entrance to hall of the throne\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 16.4.2018' alt='Entrance to hall of the throne' width='498'}]
[{Image src='Knossos_Thronsaal_(1900).jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Original view of the hall of the throne.\\Photo: Wardle. From: [Wikicommons|https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Knossos_Thronsaal_(1900).jpg]' alt='Original view of the hall of the throne.' width='351'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0464--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Comparison with reconstructed hall of the throne\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 16.4.2018' alt='Comparison with reconstructed hall of the throne' width='480'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0468--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Wooden copy of the throne of Alabaster\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 16.4.2018' alt='Wooden copy of the throne of Alabaster' width='151'}]
[{Image src='Knossos_Wandbild_Delphine.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Reconstructed panel.\\Photo: Apeto. From: [Wikicommons|https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Knossos_Wandbild_Delphine.jpg?uselang=de]' alt='Reconstructed panel.' width='405'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0460--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Reconstructed part of building\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 16.4.2018' alt='Reconstructed part of building' width='411'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0462--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Reconstructed panel\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 16.4.2018' alt='Reconstructed panel' width='187'}]
%%

!!Archeologiacl museum of Iraklion

The  Archeologiacl museum of Iraklion houses some particularly spectacular archeological finds including items found in Knossos and Phaistos, like a small sculpture of the snake godesss. 


\\

%%center
[{Image src='DSCN0503--b.jpg' height='310' class='image_block' caption='The "Parisian" found in Knossos\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 16.4.2018' alt='The "Parisian" found in Knossos' width='189'}]
[{Image src='Kleine_Schlangengöttin_01.jpg' height='310' class='image_block' caption='Small snake-godess from the treasure chamber of Knossos\\Photo: Olaf Tausch. From: [Wikicommons|https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kleine_Schlangeng%C3%B6ttin_01.jpg]' alt='Small snake-godess from the treasure chamber of Knossos' width='196'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0495--a.jpg' height='310' class='image_block' caption='Reconstructed panel \\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 16.4.2018' alt='Reconstructed panel ' width='245'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0494--a.jpg' height='310' class='image_block' caption='Reconstructed panel \\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 16.4.2018' alt='Reconstructed panel' width='416'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0514--a.jpg' height='350' class='image_block' caption='Small figurines 1\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 16.4.2018' alt='Small figurines 1' width='423'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0527--a.jpg' height='350' class='image_block' caption='Small figurines 2\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 16.4.2018' alt='Small figurines 2' width='293'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0524--a.jpg' height='350' class='image_block' caption='The famous disc of Phaistos\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 16.4.2018' alt='The famous disc of Phaistos' width='349'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0516--a.jpg' height='320' class='image_block' caption='Ceramic objects of utility\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 16.4.2018' alt='Ceramic objects of utility' width='485'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0506--a.jpg' height='320' class='image_block' caption='Golden jewellery\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 16.4.2018' alt='Golden jewellery' width='572'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0523--a.jpg' height='400' class='image_block' caption='Golden jewellery from Malia: two bees with a drop of honey\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 16.4.2018' alt='Golden jewellery from Malia: two bees with a drop of honey' width='393'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0552--a.jpg' height='400' class='image_block' caption='Leda and Scwan\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 16.4.2018' alt='Leda and Scwan' width='420'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0548--a.jpg' height='400' class='image_block' caption='Figure with bowl\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 16.4.2018' alt='Figure with bowl' width='204'}]
%%




!!Iraklion city

Iraklion (Heraklion)[{GoogleMap location='Iraclion, Greece'}] is the capital of Crete. By the official  count of 2011 it has a population of 173.000. In Minoian times one of the four harbours of Knossos was quite close to the city. According to myth, Herakles landed here to capture the bull of Crete.  

From 824 to 1206 rulers were first Muslims and later Byzantines.  Then Venetians took over till 1699. But then Osmans ruled till 1913. After a bloody massacre of Greeks and Christians a kind of autonomy was obtained in 1898. As mentioned before, Crete was united with Greece in 1913. The city was heavily bombarded and damaged in 1941.  
\\

%%center
[{Image src='DSCN0544--a.jpg' height='290' class='image_block' caption='The city wall is intact E of the center\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 16.4.2018' alt='The city wall is intact E of the center' width='191'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0542--a.jpg' height='290' class='image_block' caption='Pedestrian-zone 1\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 16.4.2018' alt='Pedestrian-zone 1' width='210'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0541--a.jpg' height='290' class='image_block' caption='Pedestrian-zone 2\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 16.4.2018' alt='Pedestrian-zone 2' width='170'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0537--a.jpg' height='290' class='image_block' caption='Morozini-Fountain (Venitian Lion Fountain)\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 16.4.2018' alt='Morozini-Fountain (Venitian Lion Fountain)' width='435'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0538--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Water for the city \\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 16.4.2018' alt='Water for the city ' width='425'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0540--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Public fountain\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 16.4.2018' alt='Public fountain' width='151'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0539--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Old place to get water\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 16.4.2018' alt='Old place to get water' width='488'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0535--a.jpg' height='470' class='image_block' caption='El Greco (Dominikos Theotokópoulos 1541 - 1614) comes from Crete\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='El Greco (Dominikos Theotokópoulos 1541 - 1614) comes from Crete' width='343'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0545--a.jpg' height='470' class='image_block' caption='Politician\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Politician' width='251'}]
[{Image src='Kazantzakis--b.jpg' height='470' class='image_block' caption='Nikos Kazantzakis, Autor of "Alexis Sorbas" is buried in Iraklion\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Nikos Kazantzakis, Autor of "Alexis Sorbas" is buried in Iraklion' width='248'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0568--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Harbour Fortification Koules\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Harbour Fortification Koules' width='646'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0560--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Venetian Harbour\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Venetian Harbour' width='405'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0561--a.jpg' height='300' class='image_block' caption='Sculpture of dolphins\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Sculpture of dolphins' width='147'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0564--a.jpg' height='300' class='image_block' caption='Fresh catch in the harbour\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Fresh catch in the harbour' width='917'}]
%%



!!Palace of Phaistos

Phaistos[{GoogleMap location='Phaistos, Crete'}] is on a hill overlooking the Messara plane. Italian archeologists have been excavating the palace since around 1900. They are not using colours or concrete to preserve the original as much as possible. The palace was built between 2.000 an 1.700 BC, was destroyed by fire in the 17 th century BC, rebuilt,  but evenutally destroyed and abandoned in the 15 century BC. 

\\

%%center
[{Image src='DSCN0571--a.jpg' height='300' class='image_block' caption='Plane of Messara\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Plane of Messara' width='449'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0572--a.jpg' height='300' class='image_block' caption='Palace of Phaistos\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Palace of Phaistos' width='561'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0621--a.jpg' height='320' class='image_block' caption='Palace of Phaistos\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Palace of Phaistos' width='487'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0586--a.jpg' height='320' class='image_block' caption='Palace of Phaistos\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Palace of Phaistos' width='480'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0611--a.jpg' height='300' class='image_block' caption='Palace of Phaistos\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Palace of Phaistos' width='450'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0614--a.jpg' height='300' class='image_block' caption='Palace of Phaistos\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Palace of Phaistos' width='190'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0583--a.jpg' height='300' class='image_block' caption='Palace of Phaistos\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Palace of Phaistos' width='284'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0588--a.jpg' height='290' class='image_block' caption='Palace of Phaistos\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Palace of Phaistos' width='472'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0590--a.jpg' height='290' class='image_block' caption='Palace of Phaistos\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Palace of Phaistos' width='214'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0598--a.jpg' height='290' class='image_block' caption='Palace of Phaistos\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Palace of Phaistos' width='257'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0606--a.jpg' height='350' class='image_block' caption='Palace of Phaistos\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Palace of Phaistos' width='504'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0615--a.jpg' height='350' class='image_block' caption='Palace of Phaistos\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Palace of Phaistos' width='454'}]
%%


!!Matala

The best known sea resort in the Messara plane is Matala [{GoogleMap location='Matala, Crete'}]. Very close to the beach there are historic burial caves, others were used to live in. The origin of the caves is unknown, but it is usually assumed that all caves were used as burial chambers by the Romans. In the 1960-ties Hippies - flower children-  were attracted by the caves. During this time a stump of a tree was converted into an elaborate sculpture. The caves are under monument protection today. 

\\

%%center
[{Image src='DSCN0629--2.jpg' height='300' class='image_block' caption='Beach of Matala\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Beach of Matala' width='801'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0632--a.jpg' height='300' class='image_block' caption=' Matala\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Matala' width='258'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0626--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Old caves\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Old caves' width='425'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0635--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Those caves are still in use\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Those caves are still in use' width='452'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0638--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Tree stump as reminder of the hippies' alt='Tree stump as reminder of the hippies' width='182'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0641--a.jpg' height='310' class='image_block' caption='Tree stump as sculptured by hippies\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Tree stump as sculptured by hippies' width='195'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0636--a.jpg' height='310' class='image_block' caption='Orthodox church\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Orthodoxchurch' width='242'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0637--b.jpg' height='310' class='image_block' caption='Pictures in the orthodox church\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Pictures in the orthodox church' width='617'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0645--b.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='The fertile Messara valley 1\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='The fertile Messara valley 1' width='449'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0643--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='The fertile Messara valley 2\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='The fertile Messara valley 2' width='589'}]
%%

!!Palace of Malia

The palace of Malia  [{GoogleMap location=Malia, Crete'}]was built in Minoian times around 1.900 BC. Like Knossos it was destroyed by two earthquakes, one around 1.750 BC, the second 1.450 BC. When the remainder of ancient walls was dicovered by the Greek archeologist Iosif Chatzidakis in 1915 excavation started, and has continued since.  



\\

%%center
[{Image src='DSCN0653--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Map\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Map' width='264'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0667--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Entrance area\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Entrance area' width='389'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0690--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Southern part\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Southern part' width='405'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0679--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Hypostyle hall\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Hypostyle hall' width='405'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0661--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Storage silos 1\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Storage silos 1' width='379'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0663--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Storage silos 2\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Storage silos 2' width='405'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0678--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Eastside storage\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Eastside storage' width='405'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0687--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Westside storage\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Westside storage' width='445'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0685--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Storage vessel\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Storage vessel' width='180'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0682--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Groundfloor with mosaics\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Groundfloor with mosaics' width='379'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0674--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Floorcover\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Floorcover' width='197'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0694--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='This area has not been excavated yet\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='This area has not been excavated yet' width='351'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0686--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='...and much more is still to be done!\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='...and much more is still to be done!' width='425'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0696--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Malia\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt=' Malia' width='321'}]
%%

!!The Lassithi plateau

The Lassithi plateau [{GoogleMap location='Lasithi plateau, Crete'}] at an altitude of about 830 m is some 10 km long and 5-7 km wide. It is surrounded by mountains and and only be reached via two roads, crossing some mountain-passes. The roughly 20 villages house somes 5.000 people. The plane is is fertile and is used intensly for agriculture.

The old wind wheels that were used to pump water up from the valley to the Lassithi plane are the famous landmarks of the plane.  Most pumps are operated by dieselmotors these days. Some 8.000 suche pumps are still in operation.

The Lassithi plateau is also known for the sacred Psychro Cave [{GoogleMap location='Pschro cave, Crete' zoom='12'}], associated with the Diktaean Cave, one of the putative sites of the birth of Zeus. Other legends put the place of birth of Zeuss in the Idaean Cave on Mount Ida, west and inland of Iraklion. 


\\

%%center
[{Image src='DSCN0697--a.jpg' height='370' class='image_block' caption='Driving up to the Lassithi plateau\\Foto: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Driving up to the Lassithi platea' width='666'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0701--a.jpg' height='370' class='image_block' caption='Villages en route\\Foto: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Villages en route' width='359'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0700--b.jpg' height='350' class='image_block' caption='Small villages are at the foot of the mountains. \\Foto: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Small villages are at the foot of the mountains' width='525'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0704--a.jpg' height='350' class='image_block' caption='Lassithi-Plateau\\Foto: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Lassithi-Plateau' width='502'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0702--a.jpg' height='350' class='image_block' caption='The Lassithi-Plateau is very fertile\\Foto: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='The Lassithi-Plateau is very fertile' width='532'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0703--a.jpg' height='350' class='image_block' caption='Sheep\\Foto: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Sheep' width='526'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0709--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Water reservoirs are to provide enough water. However, in 2018 there was not enough rain to fill them.\\Foto: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Water reservoirs are to provide enough water. However, in 2018 there was not enough rain to fill them.' width='405'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0712--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Windmills to pump water\\Foto: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Windmills to pump water' width='501'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0710--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Sailing cloth is used for the rotor blades \\Foto: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Sailing cloth is used for the rotor bladesr' width='164'}]
%%

!Here is a sample of one of the few intact widnmills: 
[{InsertPage page='Geography/Europe/Greece/Pictures/Eastern_Crete/Reactivated_Windmill' star=1 end=2}]
----


!!Monastery Kera


The monastery of the mistress (Kera) Kardiotissa is dedicated to the god mother. It is an old nunnery that was already mentioned in 1333, since the monastery obtained in that year an icon capable of performing miracles. Three nuns are keeping the monastery  in shape today: it is still a favorite place for pilgrimages.  


\\

%%center
[{Image src='DSCN0723--a.jpg' height='330' class='image_block' caption='Monastery courtyard 1\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Monastery courtyard 1' width='495'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0738--a.jpg' height='330' class='image_block' caption='Monastery courtyard 2\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Monastery courtyard 2' width='495'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0727--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Monastery church\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Monastery church' width='381'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0741--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Backside of church\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Backsiede of church' width='202'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0740--a.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Walking around the church\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Walking around the church' width='405'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0742--a.jpg' height='350' class='image_block' caption='Floorcover\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Floorcover' width='306'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0734--a.jpg' height='350' class='image_block' caption='The mircale icon was firmly attached to this column by the Turks, but it returned three times. \\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='The mircale icon was firmly attached to this column by the Turks, but it returned three times. ' width='153'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0754--a.jpg' height='350' class='image_block' caption='Cultic object\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Cultic object' width='243'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0745--a.jpg' height='350' class='image_block' caption='Panel\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Panel' width='261'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0749--a.jpg' height='300' class='image_block' caption='Door of an iconostasis\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Door of an iconostasis' width='198'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0746--a.jpg' height='300' class='image_block' caption='Head of the abbot's rod\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Head of the abbot's rod' width='269'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0743--a.jpg' height='300' class='image_block' caption='A gospel book from 1865\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='A gospel book from 1865' width='540'}]
%%

!!Mountain village Krasi

The mountain village Krasi [{GoogleMap location='Krsi, Crete'}] is famous for its gigantic 14,6 m high platane tree. 

\\

%%center
[{Image src='DSCN0767--a.jpg' height='400' class='image_block' caption='House\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='House' width='263'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0759--a.jpg' height='400' class='image_block' caption='Churchyard\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Churchyard' width='600'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0772--b.jpg' height='270' class='image_block' caption='Description of giant platane tree\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Description of giant platane tree' width='659'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0771--a.jpg' height='330' class='image_block' caption='Giant platane tree\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Giant platane tree' width='238'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0765--a.jpg' height='330' class='image_block' caption='Olive tree\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Olive tree' width='237'}]
[{Image src='DSCN0773--a.jpg' height='330' class='image_block' caption='Collecting tank for water\\Photo: © Werner Gobiet, 17.4.2018' alt='Collecting tank for water' width='511'}]
%%

!Sources
* Local guide-books
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crete]

%%lang,german
[Zur deutsche Originalversion|Wissenssammlungen/Essays/Europa_Nostra/Kreta]
%%











[{Metadata Suchbegriff=' ' Kontrolle='Nein'}]