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Gortyn, of legend and law

junio 18th, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

The capital of the Crete region during the Neolithic era was Phaestos. But the small settlement of Gortyn grew and grew, until it eventually became a city that eclipsed Phaestos.  During the Roman era, in the first century, it became capital of Crete.  The remains of this time, the city’s apogee, can be seen and studied today in archaeological excavations that have led to some of the most important discoveries in Europe.

The excavations began in 1884, leaving the workers themselves amazed. As the works progressed, different buildings appeared, such as the Saint Titus Church, whose main structure is preserved.  This temple was built in honor of the apostle Titus and another 10 saints who preached Christianity in the city and were persecuted by the Roman emperor.

Remains were also found of the Roman Odeon and Theater, circular-shaped with rows of seats and a stage, which was built by Emperor Trajan.  To the north east, on the Agios Ioannis hill, are the remains of the Gortyn acropolis and its walls, as well as a Christian church and the Temple of Athena.

However, among the most important finds were the inscriptions of the Gortyn Code, a dozen columns of legal code engraved on the walls inside the Odeon.  It is the oldest compendium of norms and laws in the western world, carved in the fifth century B.C. and made up of some six hundred lines.  Each column of text contains between 53 and 66 lines, written in the Dorian dialect of Crete.  It is a collection of laws constituting a civil code covering family law, adoption laws, inheritance and women’s rights.  It also makes reference to crimes against morality, rape, adultery and slave rights.

But Gortyn is not just rich in culture and politics; it is also steeped in legend and mystery. It is said that the caverns found nearby were in fact the Minotaur’s Labyrinth mentioned in Greek legend.   In the area surrounding Gortyn is a cavern covering more than 9000 square meters, which has 3 kilometers of maze-like passages in which it is very easy to get lost. It has been plundered many times by treasure hunters and was used as a munitions dump by the Nazis during the Second World War.  Legend has it that King Minos ordered the labyrinth to be built in order to trap the Minotaur, a monstrous beast born of the union between the king’s wife Pasiphae and a bull with which she had fallen in love due to a plot hatched by Poseidon, who had fallen out with the king for not wanting to sacrifice an animal in his honor.

The municipality of Gortyn is a must for all lovers of the history of civilization, as well as the mystery and adventure of legend.

 

“The IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts group has 5 hotels on the island of Crete, which are 4 and 5 star with the option of all-inclusive accommodation. These hotels offer visitors everything they are looking for during their vacation on this Greek island“

 

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Spinalonga Island, one of the most beautiful islands in Greece.

abril 4th, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

Spinalonga Island, one of the most beautiful islands in Greece, near the island of Crete, between the town of Elounda and the Gulf of Mirabello, is one of the most popular and frequently visited tourist attractions. The name comes from the Italian for “long spine”. In Greek, its official name is “Kalidon islote”. The island’s history begins in 1579, when the Venetians built a fortress on the island to protect their possessions and fleet in Crete from Turkish attacks. This island was also a haven for Christians in times of war, as the walls that reach the seashore prevented any ships from landing. Subsequently, it was conquered by the Turks and, years later, recovered by the Cretans. After that, the island was used as a leper colony, but don’t let this gruesome part of the island’s past put you off, because Spinalonga Island is outstandingly beautiful.

You can reach it by sea, boarding a boat in Plaka or if you prefer, by walking on a paved road from the bay of Elounda, a beautiful seaside path that leads to the neck of land that connects to Spinalonga. Formerly this was all marsh area, but in 1898 a canal was dug to connect the bay with the Gulf of Mirabello, which is marked by two beautiful stone mills.

Spinalonga is definitely a place worth visiting and is also close to other places that you do not want to miss, such as Hersonissos, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, the Crete Aquarium, Knossos and Diova cave.

 

“The IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts Group has 5 hotels in the island of Crete, 4 and 5 stars with the option of an all-inclusive stay. These hotels offer visitors everything they might need while on holiday on the Greek island”

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Samaria Gorge

marzo 13th, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

Samaria Gorge lies in the west of Crete, close to Chania, and runs along the River Omalos, between the region known as the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) and Mount Volakias. It is Europe’s longest gorge, stretching out for 16 kilometres, and reaching altitudes of up to 1,200 metres. The widest section of the gorge measures 150 metres and the narrowest a mere 3 metres.

The National Park of Samaria or the White Mountains is the only one of the largest of the Greek islands. It is characterised by a steep rugged limestone terrain with deep valleys lined by sheer walls and is home to the island’s two most emblematic animal species: the bearded vulture, the most beautiful of the European vultures, and the agrimi or kri-kri, an endemic species of mountain goat, whose numbers have dwindled alarmingly and are now only to be found in this protected natural area and on the island of Dia, lying just off the coast opposite Heraklion, the capital of Crete.

The Samaria National Park boasts an immense wealth of flora and fauna. It is home to around 450 species of plants and animals (apart from the bearded vulture and the kri-kri), all protected by law in an attempt to conserve Samaria’s finely-balanced ecosystem. Visitors can admire the vast forests of pine and cypress trees, which have grown there since the days of ancient Crete, when the island was covered entirely by trees and the wood was widely-used in the construction of ships.

Samaria Gorge is 13 km long, to which we must add a further 3 kilometres as far Agia Roumeli. As we make our way along the gorge, we will come across the Church of Saint Nicholas, built in the ruins of a former village. Halfway along the gorge lies the village of Samaria whose name comes from a nearby 14th century church called Osia Maria (Saint Mary). The inhabitants of Samaria abandoned the village in 1962, when it was declared a nature park. Today the houses are used as shelters by the park wardens, and also offer an interesting insight into traditional local architecture. The route will also take us past Venetian-style castles, the ruins of prehistoric settlements and other archaeological remains.

It takes between 4 and 7 hours to complete this route, depending on each person’s degree of fitness, but however long it takes, this is an experience that no hiking lover will want to miss.

For the less energetic there is an easier, shorter route from Agia Roumeli to the ‘Iron Gates’ (Sideroportes), the narrowest stretch of the gorge. At this point the gorge is so narrow that the 350 metres walls that rise up over our heads appear to be about to gobble us up!

So do you fancy walking along Europe’s longest canyon?

 

“IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts has 5 four and five star hotels on the island of Crete with our All Inclusive accommodation option. These hotels offer visitors everything they could need during their holidays on this Greek island”.

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Crete and the legend of the Minotaur

diciembre 19th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS | SOMETHING DIFFERENT - (0 Comments)

 

The Cretan or Minoan civilisation, which was contemporary with the Mycenaean civilisation,   boasts two names due to the fact that it arose on the island of Crete (Cretan) and because Minos (Minoan) was the island’s most important monarch, or its most powerful dynasty.

It has to be said that there is something irresistibly attractive about the culture of Crete, despite the fact that very little is known about it. All we have is a few scant facts – not even the name of a single king (Minos may refer to the word for a ruler or the name of a dynasty), or famous figure or hero. It is impossible to pinpoint the political regime that governed the island and society, or the religious beliefs of the island’s inhabitants.

It would appear that the island of Crete reached its zenith as a strong, centralising power between 1500 and 1450 BCE.  Proof of this may lie in the legend – which may or may not be true – that the city of Athens was forced to pay Crete a tribute of seven young men and women.

It was within such a context that the legend of the Minotaur arose. King Minos is claimed to have asked Poseidon (the god of the sea) for a white bull that he would then sacrifice in his honour. Yet Minos refused to sacrifice the magnificent animal and Poseidon wreaked his revenge by making Minos’ wife pregnant by the bull. The king’s wife gave birth to the monstrous minotaur, which had the head of a bull and the body of a man.  Filled with shame, the king hid the minotaur in a labyrinth built by Daedalus, and then imposed an annual tribute, forcing the city of Athens to send seven young men and seven maidens to be devoured by the monster.

The Athenian prince Theseus refused to hand over this human sacrifice, and instead risked his own life by venturing into the labyrinth and slaying the minotaur. This was thanks to the fact that King Minos’ daughter Ariadne had fallen in love with Theseus and wished to return with him to Athens. She made Theseus promise that if she showed him the way to put an end to the minotaur, he would take her with him. Theseus accepted and Ariadne gave him the help he needed, showing him the way to reach the monster and giving him a ball of thread so that he could find his way along the dark corridors of the labyrinth. Once the monster was dead, Theseus was able to retrace his steps back to the entrance thanks to Ariadne’s ball of thread.

As promised, Theseus took Ariadne away with him. During the voyage, a dreadful storm forced them to seek shelter on the island of Naxos. Once the sea was calm, they prepared to carry on their way. Yet Ariadne was nowhere to be found. After calling and searching for her, they continued their voyage. They had already set sail when Ariadne awoke in the middle of the forest, after falling asleep out of sheer exhaustion. Suddenly, and amidst great pomp and ceremony, appeared the most beautiful young man she had ever seen. The young man was Dionysus, the god of wine, who promised her marriage and immortality.  The young woman accepted and after a triumphal journey around the Earth, the god took her to her eternal home.

Back in Athens, deep sorrow had flooded the city. The old king went to the sea shore each day, hoping to see his son return.  At last the ship appeared on the horizon. Yet the black sails were raised, plunging the old man into despair. Theseus, devastated by the loss of Ariadne, had forgotten to raise the white sails, the symbol of victory.  Driven mad with sorrow, King Aegean threw himself into the sea that from then on would bear his name.  Some time later, the Athenians called an assembly and offered the crown to Theseus, who later married Phaedra and reigned for many years.

“If you’d like to discover at first hand the wealth of culture of this mythical island, IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts has 5 four and five star hotels on the island of Crete with our All Inclusive accommodation option.  These hotels offer visitors everything they could need during their holidays on this Greek island”.  

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Crete, more than just a Greek island

septiembre 18th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

Crete is the birthplace of Zeus and the Minoan culture, and also one of the largest islands in the Mediterranean. Stretching out over a large area and rich in diversity, it takes some time to fully explore and get to know its nature, gastronomy, archaeology, beaches, festivals and people.

Heraklio is the capital and Greece’s third major city. All the most interesting spots to visit are huddled in the centre of the city and include the Lions’ Fountain, the Loggia, the Church of Saint Mark, the Church of Saint Titus, the Port and the Venetian fortress, the Arsenals, the Archaeological Museum and of course, Knosos Palace, which is situated on the outskirts of the city.

Knosos Palace lies 6 km outside Heraklio. This vast rambling Minoan palace is the most important on Crete, and boasts superb mural paintings, baths, colonnades and Villa Ariadne. It is the principal monument of the Minoan Age. Knosos Palace is considered to be the labyrinth where Minos imprisoned the Minotaur, and home to the legend of Theseus and his fight against this dreaded beast. It was discovered in 1900 by Sir Arthur Evans. If you’re planning on spending just a short time in the capital and opt to visit just one place, then Knosos Palace has to be your choice.    

Beaches bathed by the most transparent turquoise waters in Europe line the tourist resort of Elafonisis, whilst the neighbouring beach of Kedrodassos is backed by a landscape of twisted Cyprus and juniper trees. To reach the beach of Balos, bathers have to follow a trail used by goats, undoubtedly the most important inhabitants of Crete. The island of Crete is blessed with cloudless skies, so take care when out and about: always use a sun block and a pair of sunglasses, and of course, remember to take your diving goggles in order to be able to admire the spectacular sea bed.

Yet there’s more to the island that boasts Mount Ida, whose summit is the birthplace of Zeus, than just beaches. The vast, permanently snow-capped mountains hide a host of fascinating secrets: freshwater Kournas Lake is just one of them.  

Those eager to explore the island’s natural landscapes and to discover one of Greece’s most breathtaking settings should find the energy to take the six mile walk through the Samaria Gorge. One of the longest and narrowest in Europe, it is 18 km long, rises up 500 metres and is just 3 metres wide at the narrowest stretch, known as the Iron Gate.  It runs through an unspoilt rugged rocky landscape, following the course of the water and is bordered by wooded slopes and steep precipices.  On the route, the river is crossed several times by narrow bridges made from tree trunks. Despite its length and the sharp drop, it is not too difficult for walkers as the trail is downhill all the way. However, you do have to be fairly fit!

Also not to be missed is a visit to the gorgeous city of Chania. Its Venetian port and old quarter are filled with charming, peaceful or lively spots in which to relax and sample traditional fare such as moussaka or dolma.

Rethymno is a small coastal town dotted with several 16th century buildings.  It also has a Venetian harbour and lighthouse that are guaranteed to delight. Lining the harbour waterfront are literally dozens of restaurants serving superb seafood. The narrow cobbled streets, with buildings built during the Venetian and Turkish occupation of the island, have all the charm of the Medieval and Renaissance periods.

Crete has everything you need for an unforgettable holiday: archaeology, fabulous beaches, stunning natural landscapes, mouth-watering gastronomy and lots of nightlife, but above all, the locals are incredibly friendly and hospitable and always ready to chat, making your visit to the island even more memorable. So enjoy!

 

“The IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts group has five 4 and 5 star hotels on the island of Crete, offering an All Inclusive accommodation option that guarantees visitors will have everything they need during their holiday on this Greek island”.

 

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Crete. The island of the Minotaur.

julio 17th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

This is a land that is the stuff of legends, and the site of truly legendary landscapes and beaches. Crete is not only rich in natural treasures, but also in history, myths and traditions.  Indeed, legend has it that Androgeus, son of Minos, King of Crete, was murdered by the sons of Aegeus, King of Athens, in order to take the island throne. The gods of Olympus punished the Athenians by ordering them to send 14 young people (7 boys and 7 girls) every 9 years to Crete, to be devoured by the Minotaur, a huge monster with the head of a bull on the body of a man who dwelt in a labyrinth created by Daedalus. One of these unfortunate young people, Theseus, aided by his beloved Ariadne, decided to challenge the monster. Ariadne gave him a ball of thread which he tied to the entrance of the labyrinth, enabling him to find his way out after slaying the Minotaur.

Legends apart, by unravelling Ariadne’s ball of thread you will discover the countless delights of this fascinating island. Idyllic beaches such Balos, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful on Crete with its fine white sand bathed by crystal-clear waters; Elafonissos (Elafonisos) is a small islet connected to Crete by a shallow reef that can be crossed on foot at low tide;   Preveli Beach where the River Kourtaliotis flows into the sea and Malata Beach, flanked by cliffs that make it a delightfully private spot.

Highlights also include ruins and relics from another age such as the Minoan palaces of Knossos and Phaistos, the Gortyn archaeological site, and the picture-postcard towns of Chania, Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos and Rethymno, without forgetting Samaria Gorge, Europe’s longest ravine that stretches out for 16 kilometres.

Get ready to discover another world. Remember to pack a book by Odysseus Elytis, winner of the 1979 Nobel Prize for Literature and download a selection of songs by Nana Mouskouri on your MP3 – both artists were born on Crete. And most importantly of all, book a stay at one of the fabulous hotels that IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts boasts on this island.

 

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An A-maze-ing Place in Crete

febrero 16th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Snapshots - (0 Comments)

If you’ve got even a passing knowledge of history and/or Greek mythology, you’ve probably heard of the Minotaur, the monster with the body of a man and the head of a bull, imprisoned in a labyrinth by Minos, king of Crete, and fed human sacrifices. Obviously the bull-headed thing is a little bit of a stretch, but on this island that’s home to no fewer than five Iberostar resorts, you can visit the spot where this legend may well have originated.  On Mount Kefala, a couple of miles outside Crete’s capital Heraklion, lie the ruins of the remarkable (and yes, pretty mazelike) six-acre palace complex of Knossos.

So you’re wondering what’s so remarkable about it, right? Greece is pretty much crammed with ancient ruins, after all. But it pretty much doesn’t get more ancient than this. Knossos predates – by a lot — classical ruins like the Parthenon; this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a remnant of a Bronze Age civilization at least 4,000 years old. It’s hard not to feel at least a little awestruck while wandering corridors, stairways, roads, and rooms like the “throne room,” which holds an alabaster seat that might’ve been a ruler’s throne or might’ve been meant for a statue. There are colorful frescoes and mosaics galore, too – actually, there was a bit of controversy about that when archaeologists were uncovering the site in the late 19th century, because here and there they had contemporary artists, er, “touch up” and embellish ancient artwork that was mostly fragmentary (like the bit of business in the snapshot above, actually). They also stabilized some of the structures with cement, which these days would be a huge no-no in archaeology but is thought to have helped keep more of the complex from crumbling into dust. And by the way, if you make it here, don’t forget to also pay a visit to the museum in town, which houses a lot of objects found at the site and others around Crete.

Photo | Eliza Minea

 

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El Greco’s Art Puts Crete on the World Map

octubre 25th, 2011 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Local Characters - (0 Comments)

Greece

The largest of the Greek islands, Crete bursts with local culture, rich history and a strong identity tracing back to the Byzantine period. Located in the southernmost part of the Aegean Sea, the isle is now one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe. But besides turquoise beaches, hiking trails and archaeological offerings, few know that Crete is also home to some of the most famous artworks in the world.

El Greco and Crete

When Crete was under Venetian ruling, a Renaissance swept through the island and literally put the island on the map. Crete became a center of post-Byzantine art and the birthplace of numerous legendary artists. One of the most reputed representations of this Renaissance was the artist, El Greco.

The noble painter, sculptor and architect, Doménikos Theotokópoulos (“El Greco” was his nickname, meaning “the Greek”) married Byzantine traditions with Western styles and created uproar in the art scene. He quickly gained a reputation for his dramatic and expressionistic artistic style and soon was recognized for his eclectic talent. Many of his artworks can be found in the Historical Museum of Crete, including the world-renowned painting “The Baptism of Christ.”

Cultural and Artistic Tour of Crete

Today’s Crete might no longer be the center of arts, but its archaeological and cultural attractions are well worth a visit. As the hub of the Minoan civilization, Crete was home to numerous palaces and monasteries during its heyday. The largest archaeological site on Crete is the ruins of the Knossos Palace featuring labyrinths of living spaces, store rooms and mosaic-tiled walls. This was once the ceremonial and political stronghold of the Minoan civilization. Another site worth visiting is Phaistos, a palace dating back to the Middle Bronze Age. For a deeper look into Crete’s history, get a crash course in history at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

For those hoping to relax on their summer vacation, there are plenty of beaches scattered along the coastline – the best ones include Rethymno, Elounda and the isolated Vai palm beach. Crete hotels are usually located on the beachfront – if you’re looking for tranquility, head out to Agios Nikolais; for those seeking good nightlife, Chania will be right up your alley.

Photo | bazylek100

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