Archive for the ‘culture’ Category

« Older Entries

Crete the wonders of the Minoans and Knossos Palace

Saturday, May 28th, 2011

When on holiday in Crete there is one place that most people just have to visit and this is the marvellous ruin of the Palace of Knossos.

Not only is this a superb place to spend some quality time, visitors learn about one of the oldest civilisations, the Minoans, who had made this lovely island their home.

There have been many wonderful artefacts found at the site of the Palace and these include the spectacular Bull’s Head which in the 16th century had been used in sacred rituals in the Little Palace of Knossos. Visitors to the island can see this marvellous Rhyton of the Bull’s Head at the museum of Iraklion where it is on permanent exhibition.

This beautiful vessel is a stone carving that was meticulously made with the muzzle encrusted with mother of pearl, the eyes made from rock crystal and the horns were gilded. During the 16th century the Minoans had perfected the art of stone carving and many wonderful works were created during this time. Luckily for us today we can see and marvel at some of the most beautiful ancient art work from Minoan times that have been discovered in Crete by visiting the museums on the island.

The Minoan snake godess

One of the Minoan divinities was in the form of a snake and is known as the ‘Snake Goddess’. Also known as the Household Goddess, the goddess is thought by some to have bought good fortune to Minoan houses although the goddess was also a symbol of the underworld giving her a Chthonic aspect as well. There has been much discussion about the meaning behind the Snake Goddess and what she meant to the ancient Minoans. Many people do not believe that she was a household deity or the Chthonic aspect that has been given to her by the early discoverers of these beautiful objects. What we do know is that she was worshipped by all Minoans.

The two very famous faiences of Snake Goddesses were found at Knossos and they date back to 1600 BCE. These statuettes are beautifully made and depict the women of the palace court dressed in lavish classical Minoans clothes. On one of the Snake Goddesses

Routing Number CITIZENS BANKK

the snake is seen to sliding around her body whereas the other statuette shows her holding the snakes in both of her hands.

There is so much to learn about the Minoan civilisation and seeing these lovely objects from ancient times it gives us an insight into an incredible period of Cretan culture as it was so very long ago. It is an extraordinary experience to see both the Bull’s Head and the statuettes of the Snake Goddesses that meant so much to the cults and civilisations who made this beautiful island their home. These great and ancient cultures have left so much for us to see and wonder at.

We all feel privileged to know just a little bit more about the way of life in ancient Minoan Crete.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Cretan History, culture | No Comments »

Crete the Fortress of Koules in Heraklion

Tuesday, May 24th, 2011

The word ‘Koules’ means fortress in Turkish and if you travel to the harbour of Heraklion you will find the amazing Koules Fortress and the ancient ramparts that surround the harbour.

The fortress dates back to times long past, it was built by the Venetians during the 13th century. It is an impressive structure that was built to protect this busy and vital port on the island. But not only was it constructed as a guardian of the port, the Venetians stored many foodstuffs and other important supplies that its’ army needed. It was also a prison and living quarters for officers of their armies.

Koule fortress was completely destroyed during an earthquake in 1303 but it was rebuilt again, but this time by the Genoese. Over the following centuries it was restored many times over to become how we see it today. It was turned into a prison during the time the Ottomans ruled the island and it was in the dungeons of this notorious prison that many Cretans met their deaths because they had stood against the Ottomans, they

Routing Number CITIZENS BANKK

had revolted against these invaders and they paid a heavy price for their loyalty to their people and their beloved island.

As with so much ancient architecture in Crete, the styles and the impressive structures that were built during different periods. They are proof of the various powerful civilisations that inhabited the island. The fortress of Koules is a typical example of Venetian architecture on a very grand scale and the breakwater that protected the harbour can still be seen today.

There are three beautiful carvings of the Lion of St. Mark and visitors can see these, along with a minaret which was constructed by the , when they visit the fortress. Thousands of visitors flock here every year to admire the sheer size of the structure and to learn about the history that surrounds it.

Standing under the ramparts and looking up at the fortress visitors are reminded of the glory of the Venetians and the Ottomans who inhabited the island so very long ago. They can see how time has made this fortress such an important part of the Crete we all know today, it always shows us how important the port was to the island in ancient times.

Everyone who visits Heraklion cannot fail to admire the sheer size of the Koules fortress which has been restored to become one of the most important tourist attractions on the island. As with everything in Crete there is great pride in the history behind these incredible structures that have weathered the course of time so well. The island of Crete has many ruins from ancient times, every year visitors come to see, admire at marvel at them. The Koules fortress in Heraklion is just one of these amazing structures to be found on this amazing beautiful and historical island of Crete.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Cretan History, culture, Destinations | No Comments »

Crete Gifts and Souvenirs to take home

Sunday, May 22nd, 2011

Everybody who comes to the island of Crete has a wonderful time. They leave this sun drenched island relaxed and tanned, ready to face their journey home in a good frame of mind.

Most visitors leave Crete with mementos of their trip. Some take some locally brewed wine with them, others may take some of the delicious cheese they found in a mountain village shop and often many will take a bottle or two of the gorgeous olive oil that is produced on the island.

Ceramic jug from Crete

There are many things to buy to remind you of your holiday in Crete and these include the lovely jewellery you can find in many of the shops on the island. A lot of this exquisite jewellery is designed on the different cultures that inhabited Crete many centuries ago and include the Minoans, the Archaic and Byzantine people who loved their gold and silver jewellery so much.

If you have ever seen the fabulous bronze and ceramic reproductions of Minoan and Cretan art you will want to buy a piece to take home with you to remind you of the beauty of Crete.

Routing Number CITIZENS BANKK

There are paintings, tea shirts, soaps made from olive oil, traditional sweets, honey and the wonderfully aromatic herbs that grow in abundance all over the island, to name but a few of the objects and foods that you will find.

Cretans are very proud of their heritage and crafts today are done in very much the same manner as they were done in ancient times. The attention to detail in everything that you find will impress you. This lovely island in the Med has so much to offer you both during your visit and after you leave because your memory of your stay here will always bring a smile to your face.

It is great fun wondering through a town or a village discovering the lovely things you can buy for yourself or maybe as a gift for a member of your family or a good friend back home. You will always find something that you just have to buy when you are in Crete. From the artisanal gift to the delicious olive oil there is a taste of the island that you will want to take back with you.

Taking a souvenir home will remind you that this lovely island is calling you back to visit her again, sooner rather than later. Like the Lady of the Kournas Lake, the island will beckon you back so she can take care of you during your stay on the island of Crete.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in culture | No Comments »

Crete freshwater lakes and the myths

Tuesday, May 17th, 2011

The island of Crete abounds with mythology and there is nowhere more mysterious on the island than the lake at Kournas.

Situated at the village of Kournas, the tale of the prettiest daughter of a priest who was the last virgin in the region lives on. The tale is one of a village (Kournas) that had become enveloped with sinful practices which angered God. He reacted by flooding the valley of Kournas with torrential rains in order to cleanse the village of their sinful ways. The priest’s daughter’s soul was saved because she was still pure of body and it is her soul that has never left the fresh waters of this idyllic and peaceful lake in Crete.

It is believed by all Cretans that her soul now watches over all the animals and wildlife that inhabit the shores of this beautiful freshwater lake making this lovely legend live on for us to enjoy in these modern times. At midnight every night she appears to feed the goldfish which is such a romantic and mysteriously enchanting myth of the Lady of the lake at Kournas that visitors from all over the world visit the valley to witness for themselves this charming and captivating area of Crete.

The area is one of superb natural beauty where no motor boats are allowed to go. The waters are as pure as they were centuries ago.

Routing Number CITIZENS BANKK

People in pedaloes criss-cross the lake in the hope of catching a glimpse of the pretty lady but she is shy and very few people have had the pleasure of meeting her on the lake.

But should you be one of the many who has been disappointed at not meeting the lady of the lake, there is one aspect of this beautiful spot that will never disappoint anyone, and this is the beach at Kournas. It is truly a lovely sheltered spot that many visitors discover and fall in love with.

The absolute beauty of the area makes the whole region an enchanting place to visit for the day. You can soak up the sun and bathe in the cool clear water of one of the most beautiful lakes in Crete. An amazing experience to do is go to the beach in the morning and swim in the warm Mediterranean Sea then to drive up to Kournas for a freshwater dip before relaxing in the evening at your villa or hotel.

Another beautiful freshwater lake is Agio where in springtime rare flowers are found in abundance. There are some exquisite birds that inhabit this part of the island and it is one of the most popular areas for bird watching enthusiasts who flock here from all over the world to ‘twitch’ their time away. The natural beauty of the region is also one that all nature lovers come to discover and marvel at.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Cretan History, culture | No Comments »

Crete Mythology

Monday, May 9th, 2011

Crete and mythology is a wonderful marriage of beauty and fantasy. These lovely and often cruel legends tell us how the ancient civilisations explained certain phenomenon that occurred during their existence on this exquisite island. There are many myths and legends about events that happened and why names were given to certain things in Crete. Some of them are quite extraordinary but in ancient times these myths meant a great deal to the people who inhabited the island and they still do so today.

The legend of the god Zeus is one such myth. It is said that he was born in the Diktian Cave and after a battle with his father, Kronos, he took over the skies whilst his brother Poseidon ruled the oceans and of course Hades became king of the underworld.

The Minotaurus

The myth of the Minotaur and the Labyrinth is a tale of deception that went wrong and the result was the birth of the Minotaur, a being with a body of a man but the head and tail of a bull. A Labyrinth was built under the Palace in Knossos to imprison the Minotaur but later on it was slain by Theseus to prevent any further sacrifices being made to the Minotaur.

But Theseus forgot to put up a white sail, as he had promised to let his father know he had succeeded in killing the beast. His father was distraught and fell into the sea hence it was called the Aegean Sea. The myth is a wonderful legend that children all over Crete are taught because these stories explain the way things came about in ancient times and why things are how they are today.

There are more recent legends and tales on the island and one such tale is the story of the ’Drossoulites’. These are the ghosts of Chatzimichalis Dalianis and his men who were killed by the Turks during the 1821 revolution. On the 17th May every year these ghosts walk out of the sea to return to the fortress of Fangokastello where they were slain.

The myths, tales and legends of Crete form a vital part of their unique culture and the world would be a much poorer place if we did not have all the mythological beings, Gods and animals that are so important to the tales. Directors have made superb films based on Greek mythology which we have enjoyed for years and will probably delight in for years to come.

Visiting the island of Crete is arriving at the heart of a world of fantasy and wonderland where anything can happen no matter how fanciful it is. This is one of the many reasons that Crete is so much more than just a beautiful place to visit.

Routing Number CITIZENS BANKK

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Cretan History, culture | No Comments »

Crete christenings, weddings and celebrations that last well into the night

Sunday, May 8th, 2011

The birth a new baby is a special event all over the world and on the island of Crete it is a big occasion that merits celebrations on a grand scale in the towns and villages all over the island where a baptism is taking place. There is often anything up to 3000 guests attending a Christening party.

It does not take much to get Cretans singing and dancing so an occasion such as this is the time to be lively and the atmosphere is one of happiness and joy. Baptisms or Christenings are a serious matter for Cretans but this does not mean that the occasion is sombre or tense, in fact in true Cretan style the whole affair is one of relaxed and leisurely calmness.

Villages churches tend to be small in Crete, so with so many guests arriving to take part in the celebrations it is quite normal to have people milling around outside and wandering in and out of it during the ceremony. It is a great time for everyone to catch up with each other and with so much to talk about it becomes a very social affair indeed.

After the child has been blessed by the holy water, they are dressed in beautiful traditional baptism gowns and guests then approach the parents to offer them congratulations and to offer their christening present, normally this is an envelope in which they have place some money. In return the guests receive a framed picture of the child or sometimes a small amulet.

The whole party then begins with lots of food and wine being served to all the guests. The traditional dinner which includes mezedes, Pilafi with lamb that has been boiled is then followed by delicious roast lamb served with potatoes and plenty of typical Cretan salads. Of course there is a copious amount of village wine called ‘Marouvas’ which is drunk in abundance by all the guests. This festive meal lasts a long time and will go on for hours as everyone enjoys the happy occasion

Routing Number CITIZENS BANKK

and will usually end in a lot singing and dancing well into the night.

Weddings too are a wonderful time to celebrate in the most traditional of ways in Crete. Should a visitor be fortunate enough to come across a wedding in a village then the experience will be something that they will cherish. Villagers take advantage of this occasion to dress in their best clothes, they then parade through the streets to live music. The village square is the centre of the festivities and guests along with the whole village dance and sing all night.

The feast that takes place just after the wedding and this is known as ‘glendi’, it is one of the happiest festivities to watch and be a party to. These feasts can last for hours or even days with lots of eating and drinking to the unique traditional music of the Lyra. The Grand Finale of the occasion is truly something that every visitor to Crete should see, as every guest at the ‘glendi’ leaves for home with Wedding Bread.

This is a traditional gift the newlywed couple offers all their guests. These Wedding Bread gifts are beautiful, the bread is braided into all sorts of shapes such as leaves, roses or heavenly stars. They are such wonderful pieces of art work that you cannot help but admire them. The bread has a lovely aroma which traditionally represents the sweetness of marriage and love between the newly married couple

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in culture, info | No Comments »

« Older Entries