Crete in common with many parts of Greece, abounds with archaeological
sites, some of these are little more than a few stone walls, while others are
quite extensive. Per haps the best known site is Knossos, a large Minoan
palace, which has been subjected to some (controversial) reconstruction by
Sir Arthur Evans early last century. Supposedly the home of the Minotaur, the
site is very large and complex, and for simple peasant folk 3,000 years ago,
the Palace would indeed have seemed like a Labyrinth!
For the less able amongst us, and for those unwilling to spend some hours
looking at Minoan sites, the Palace at Malia, a more accessible site, and is
fairly typical of Minoan civilisation. There are also other sites around the island
such as Phaistos, in the south, and Kato Zakros, to the south east. The hill
town of Lato, near Agios Nikolaos is also interesting as the tradesmens’
houses lining the small steep street, can still be seen. It is true to say that no
matter where you are staying on the island there is an archaeological site
within easy reach!
The larger towns contain much architecture left over from the Ottoman and
Venetian invasions, and there are aqueducts and other structures stilll
surviving from the Roman occupation of the island. The ruins at Gortys
(on the way to Phaistos) were actually the capital in Roman times.
There are also several monasteries and churches of note. In Iraklio the chuches
of Saints Minas and Titos are perhaps the best known, however many smaller
churches outside the capital contain old icons and other religious artifacts, and
most are richly decorated.
Monasteries at Selinari, Prevelli, Agia Triada, and Gounia are all of interest, not
just for there religious significance, but for the roles they have played in Cretan
history!
The main archaeological museum is located in the centre of Iraklio
and contains many finds from Knossos and other sites on the island.
Apart from the ubiquitous pottery and weapons the museum contains
some fine gold jewellery and of course the frescoes from Knossos, in
particular the ‘blue dolphins’ which appear regularly on postcards
and tourist wares.
The Museum of Crete situated on the coast road just out of the city
centre, is a ‘’folk’’ musuem, detailing the history of Iraklio, and the
island during the time of Ottoman and Venetian rule, as well as giving
insight into the Cretan culture. There is also an exhibit to Nikos
Kazantzakis and Eleftherios Venizoulos. In particular there are two
fine works by the artist ‘El Greco’
Around the island are various local history museums as well as one
dedicated to Nikos Kazantzakis at Myrtia, and another to ‘El Greco’
at Fodele.
