Steven Sklifas - Writer Photographer

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  • Chania. Crete. Greece. View of the beautiful Venetian harbour of the town of Chania which is Crete’s prettiest and second largest city. Situated on the north western part of Crete, Chania or Hania is a wonderful mix of east and west and has wonderful architectural legacies of firstly the Venetians who arrived around 1300 and stayed for 400 years and then the Turks who ruled the city for 250 years after that. The harbour which is has a restored Venetian lighthouse at its entrance is ringed by pastel coloured charming old Venetian buildings elegant neo classical town houses and ottoman mosques whilst behind the waterfront are a delightful and atmospheric maze of winding narrow alleyways lined with colourful potted plants and replete with restored palaces, ornate doorways and balconies. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Chania_028.jpg
  • Preveli. Crete. Greece. View of the abandoned ruins of the original Monastery of Agios Ioannis also known as Kato Preveli which is surrounded by imposing landscape on the south coast of Crete within the province of Rethymno. The monastery was abandoned in the 17th century in favour of amore seclude location a few kilometres further on. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Rethymno_Region_033.tif
  • Preveli. Crete. Greece. View of the 19th century church within the grounds of Moni Preveli or the Monastery of Preveli which is located on the south coast of Crete within the province of Rethymno. Remotely and idyllically set overlooking the Libyan sea, the late sixteenth century Monastery with its rustic monk’s buildings surrounded by palm trees has a revered place in Greek history for its critical resistance against Turkish and German invaders.  Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Rethymno_Region_031.tif
  • Preveli. Crete. Greece. View of the rustic Monastic quarters at Moni Preveli or the Monastery of Preveli which is located on the south coast of Crete within the province of Rethymno. Remotely and idyllically set overlooking the Libyan sea, the late sixteenth century Monastery with its rustic monk’s buildings surrounded by palm trees has a revered place in Greek history for its critical resistance against Turkish and German invaders.  Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Rethymno_Region_027.tif
  • Preveli. Crete. Greece. View of the façade of the 19th century church at Moni Preveli or the Monastery of Preveli which is located on the south coast of Crete within the province of Rethymno. Remotely and idyllically set overlooking the Libyan sea, the late sixteenth century Monastery with its rustic monk’s buildings surrounded by palm trees has a revered place in Greek history for its critical resistance against Turkish and German invaders.  Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Rethymno_Region_023.tif
  • Preveli. Crete. Greece. View of the rustic Monastic quarters at Moni Preveli or the Monastery of Preveli which is located on the south coast of Crete within the province of Rethymno. Remotely and idyllically set overlooking the Libyan sea, the late sixteenth century Monastery with its rustic monk’s buildings surrounded by palm trees has a revered place in Greek history for its critical resistance against Turkish and German invaders.  Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Rethymno_Region_026.tif
  • Preveli. Crete. Greece. View of the rustic Monastic quarters at Moni Preveli or the Monastery of Preveli which is located on the south coast of Crete within the province of Rethymno. Remotely and idyllically set overlooking the Libyan sea, the late sixteenth century Monastery with its rustic monk’s buildings surrounded by palm trees has a revered place in Greek history for its critical resistance against Turkish and German invaders.  Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Rethymno_Region_025.tif
  • Preveli. Crete. Greece. View of the façade of the 19th century church at Moni Preveli or the Monastery of Preveli which is located on the south coast of Crete within the province of Rethymno. Remotely and idyllically set overlooking the Libyan sea, the late sixteenth century Monastery with its rustic monk’s buildings surrounded by palm trees has a revered place in Greek history for its critical resistance against Turkish and German invaders.  Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Rethymno_Region_021.tif
  • Preveli. Crete. Greece. View of the façade of the 19th century church at Moni Preveli or the Monastery of Preveli which is located on the south coast of Crete within the province of Rethymno. Remotely and idyllically set overlooking the Libyan sea, the late sixteenth century Monastery with its rustic monk’s buildings surrounded by palm trees has a revered place in Greek history for its critical resistance against Turkish and German invaders.  Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Rethymno_Region_018.tif
  • Preveli. Crete. Greece. View of tourists within the grounds of Moni Preveli or the Monastery of Preveli which is located on the south coast of Crete within the province of Rethymno. Remotely and idyllically set overlooking the Libyan sea, the late sixteenth century Monastery with its rustic monk’s buildings surrounded by palm trees has a revered place in Greek history for its critical resistance against Turkish and German invaders.  Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Rethymno_Region_014.tif
  • Potamon dam. Crete. Greece. View of the newly built reservoir called Potamon Dam situated centrally in the province of Rethymno. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Rethymno_Region_012.tif
  • Agia Galini. Crete. Greece. View of the stunning mountainous landscape near the coastal town of Agia Galini on the south coast of Crete within the province of Rethymno. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Rethymno_Region_005.tif
  • Agia Galini. Crete. Greece. View of the stunning mountainous landscape near the coastal town of Agia Galini on the south coast of Crete within the province of Rethymno. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Rethymno_Region_006.tif
  • Agia Galini. Crete. Greece. View of the picturesque former fishing hamlet of Agia Galini which is nestled among imposing mountains on the south coast of Crete within the province of Rethymno. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Rethymno_Region_004.tif
  • Agia Galini. Crete. Greece. View of the stunning mountainous landscape near the coastal town of Agia Galini on the south coast of Crete within the province of Rethymno. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Rethymno_Region_002.tif
  • Panoramic view of the town of Rethymnon the 3rd largest city on the Greek island of Crete.
    Greece_Crete_Rethymnon_080.tif
  • Traditional houses along a narrow stone tiled back street of the old town of Rethymnon. Crete. Greece.
    Greece_Crete_Rethymnon_076.tif
  • Panoramic view of the town of Rethymnon the 3rd largest city on the Greek island of Crete.
    Greece_Crete_Rethymnon_077.tif
  • Pink and white Bougainvillea provides a colourful canopy on a stone tiled back street. Old town of Rethymnon. Crete. Greece.
    Greece_Crete_Rethymnon_071.tif
  • Pink and white Bougainvillea provides a colourful canopy on a stone tiled back street. Old town of Rethymnon. Crete. Greece.
    Greece_Crete_Rethymnon_070.tif
  • Pink and white Bougainvillea provides a colourful canopy on a stone tiled back street. Old town of Rethymnon. Crete. Greece.
    Greece_Crete_Rethymnon_069.tif
  • Pink and white Bougainvillea provides a colourful canopy on a stone tiled back street. Old town of Rethymnon. Crete. Greece.
    Greece_Crete_Rethymnon_068.tif
  • Pink and white Bougainvillea provides a colourful canopy on a stone tiled back street. Old town of Rethymnon. Crete. Greece.
    Greece_Crete_Rethymnon_066.tif
  • The 16th century Venetian Rimondi Fountain in the heart of the town of Rethymnon. Crete. Greece.
    Greece_Crete_Rethymnon_065.tif
  • The 16th century Venetian Rimondi Fountain in the heart of the town of Rethymnon. Crete. Greece.
    Greece_Crete_Rethymnon_064.tif
  • Ornate archway linked to the Venetian period church of St Francis on Agiou Fragkiskou Street. Rethymnon. Crete. Greece.
    Greece_Crete_Rethymnon_056.tif
  • Ornate archway linked to the Venetian period church of St Francis on Agiou Fragkiskou Street. Rethymnon. Crete. Greece.
    Greece_Crete_Rethymnon_055.tif
  • Ornate archway linked to the Venetian period church of St Francis on Agiou Fragkiskou Street. Rethymnon. Crete. Greece.
    Greece_Crete_Rethymnon_053.tif
  • The Venetian built Porta Guora known as the Great Gate of Rethymnon. Crete. Greece. The gate is one of the remaining remnants of the defensive walls that once protected the old town.
    Greece_Crete_Rethymnon_049.tif
  • Fishing boats docked at the picturesque Venetian harbour of Rethymnon, the 3rd largest city of the Greek island of Crete.
    Greece_Crete_Rethymnon_041.tif
  • Fishing boats docked at the picturesque Venetian harbour of Rethymnon, the 3rd largest city of the Greek island of Crete.
    Greece_Crete_Rethymnon_038.tif
  • Fishing boats docked at the picturesque Venetian harbour of Rethymnon, the 3rd largest city of the Greek island of Crete.
    Greece_Crete_Rethymnon_036.tif
  • Fishing boats docked at the picturesque Venetian harbour of Rethymnon, the 3rd largest city of the Greek island of Crete.
    Greece_Crete_Rethymnon_035.tif
  • Fishing boats docked at the picturesque Venetian harbour of Rethymnon, the 3rd largest city of the Greek island of Crete.
    Greece_Crete_Rethymnon_032.tif
  • Fishing boats docked at the picturesque Venetian harbour of Rethymnon, the 3rd largest city of the Greek island of Crete.
    Greece_Crete_Rethymnon_014.tif
  • Fishing boats docked at the picturesque Venetian harbour of Rethymnon, the 3rd largest city of the Greek island of Crete.
    Greece_Crete_Rethymnon_011.tif
  • Fishing boats docked at the picturesque Venetian harbour of Rethymnon, the 3rd largest city of the Greek island of Crete.
    Greece_Crete_Rethymnon_010.tif
  • Pink and white Bougainvillea provides a colourful canopy on a stone tiled back street. Old town of Rethymnon. Crete. Greece.
    Greece_Crete_Rethymnon_007.tif
  • View on Ethnikis Andistaseos Street in the old town of Rethymnon. Crete. Greece.
    Greece_Crete_Rethymnon_005.tif
  • Fishing boats docked at the picturesque Venetian harbour of Rethymnon, the 3rd largest city of the Greek island of Crete.
    Greece_Crete_Rethymnon_002.tif
  • Phaistos. Crete. Greece. View to the North from the archaeological site of Phaistos of the towering peaks of Mount Ida also known as Psiloritis, the highest mountain in Crete at 2456 metres (8060 feet). The Minoan palatial city of Phaistos or Phaestos was the second most important Minoan palatial city in Crete after Knossos and is situated in central southern Crete in the Iraklio prefecture. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Phaistos_029.tif
  • Phaistos. Crete. Greece. View to the North from the archaeological site of Phaistos of the towering peaks of Mount Ida also known as Psiloritis, the highest mountain in Crete at 2456 metres (8060 feet). The Minoan palatial city of Phaistos or Phaestos was the second most important Minoan palatial city in Crete after Knossos and is situated in central southern Crete in the Iraklio prefecture. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Phaistos_030.tif
  • Phaistos. Crete. Greece. View to the North from the archaeological site of Phaistos of the towering peaks of Mount Ida also known as Psiloritis, the highest mountain in Crete at 2456 metres (8060 feet). The Minoan palatial city of Phaistos or Phaestos was the second most important Minoan palatial city in Crete after Knossos and is situated in central southern Crete in the Iraklio prefecture. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Phaistos_028.tif
  • Phaistos. Crete. Greece. View of one of the four large stone circular storage pits at the south end of the West Court. Also known as Kouloures, the pits date from the first palace period (1900-1700 BC) and were generally regarded as depositories for offerings from the Palace or granaries. They are identical to the pits found at Knossos. The Minoan palatial city of Phaistos or Phaestos was the second most important Minoan palatial city in Crete after Knossos and is situated in central southern Crete in the Iraklio prefecture. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Phaistos_027.tif
  • Phaistos. Crete. Greece. View of one of the four large stone circular storage pits at the south end of the West Court. Also known as Kouloures, the pits date from the first palace period (1900-1700 BC) and were generally regarded as depositories for offerings from the Palace or granaries. They are identical to the pits found at Knossos. The Minoan palatial city of Phaistos or Phaestos was the second most important Minoan palatial city in Crete after Knossos and is situated in central southern Crete in the Iraklio prefecture. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Phaistos_026.tif
  • Phaistos. Crete. Greece. View of one of the four large stone circular storage pits at the south end of the West Court that has had a cobbled road built through it which is possibly part of the Processional Causeway which starts in the west court.  The pits also known as Kouloures, date from the first palace period (1900-1700 BC) and were generally regarded as depositories for offerings from the Palace or granaries. They are identical to the pits found at Knossos. The Minoan palatial city of Phaistos or Phaestos was the second most important Minoan palatial city in Crete after Knossos and is situated in central southern Crete in the Iraklio prefecture. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Phaistos_025.tif
  • Phaistos. Crete. Greece. View inside one of the storerooms of the west wing ground floor. There are 10 rooms in total, and they were used to store grain, oil, wine, and olives in vast storage jars or pithoi. The Minoan palatial city of Phaistos or Phaestos was the second most important Minoan palatial city in Crete after Knossos and is situated in central southern Crete in the Iraklio prefecture. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Phaistos_020.tif
  • Phaistos. Crete. Greece. View of the Queens Megaron located in the southernmost area of the Royal apartments. Now under protective cover, the Queens chamber consisted of a spacious hall with a double colonnade opening onto a lightwell. The floors were paved with gypsum slabs with red plaster filling the interstices. Gypsum was also widely used for benches running around the lower part of the walls. The upper walls were decorated with frescoes depicting plant motifs. Two rhyta-hornlike drinking vessel, were found here; one is decorated with cult symbols of the double axe and sacral knot while the other bears a reed pattern. The Minoan palatial city of Phaistos or Phaestos was the second most important Minoan palatial city in Crete after Knossos and is situated in central southern Crete in the Iraklio prefecture. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Phaistos_018.tif
  • Phaistos. Crete. Greece. Part view of the remains of the east wing complex which faces the central court. It consisted of a room with polythyra and an L shaped colonnade open to the view to the east. A lightwell south of the polythyron room leads to the antechamber of a small Lustral Basin. The valuable cult objects discovered in the Lustral Basin, such as rhyta (libation vessel), horns of consecration, double axes and ritual rhyton in the shape of a head of a bearded man possibly connect this area to liberation rituals.  The Minoan palatial city of Phaistos or Phaestos was the second most important Minoan palatial city in Crete after Knossos and is situated in central southern Crete in the Iraklio prefecture. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Phaistos_017.tif
  • Phaistos. Crete. Greece. View of three levels of the palace of Phaistos  which is magnificently sited on a rocky crest overlooking the fertile Messara Plain. In the foreground is the upper level with its Hellenistic ruins: below it is the west court with the theatral area and grand staircase which leads to the vast central court in the distance. The Minoan palatial city of Phaistos or Phaestos was the second most important Minoan palatial city in Crete after Knossos and is situated in central southern Crete in the Iraklio prefecture. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Phaistos_016.tif
  • Phaistos. Crete. Greece. View of the large paved West Court and Theatral Area at the palace of Phaistos. It is bounded by a high wall which supports the Upper Court which is on a higher level. At the foot of the wall are eight wide steps which formed the seats for spectators to view religious events and festivals taking place in court.  These date from the time of the first palace (1900-1700 BC). The Minoan palatial city of Phaistos or Phaestos was the second most important Minoan palatial city in Crete after Knossos and is situated in central southern Crete in the Iraklio prefecture. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Phaistos_009.tif
  • Phaistos. Crete. Greece. View of long staircase that leads down from the upper court to the west court of the palace of Phaistos. . The Minoan palatial city of Phaistos or Phaestos was the second most important Minoan palatial city in Crete after Knossos and is situated in central southern Crete in the Iraklio prefecture. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Phaistos_011.tif
  • Phaistos. Crete. Greece. View of the Grand Staircase with its shallow twelve steps carved partly into rock which lead up to the second Palace (1700 -1450 BC). The Minoan palatial city of Phaistos or Phaestos was the second most important Minoan palatial city in Crete after Knossos and is situated in central southern Crete in the Iraklio prefecture. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Phaistos_006.tif
  • Phaistos. Crete. Greece. View of three levels of the palace of Phaistos  which is magnificently sited on a rocky crest overlooking the fertile Messara Plain. In the foreground is the upper level with its Hellenistic ruins: below it is the west court with the theatral area and grand staircase which leads to the vast central court in the distance. The Minoan palatial city of Phaistos or Phaestos was the second most important Minoan palatial city in Crete after Knossos and is situated in central southern Crete in the Iraklio prefecture. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Phaistos_001.tif
  • Greece_Crete_Knossos_050.tif
  • Knossos. Crete. Greece. View of the cup-bearer fresco copy at the South Propylaeum at the Palace of Knossos. The colourful wall painting which depicts Minoan offerings was part of the enormous Procession frieze which lined the path from the West court to the South Propylaeum. The highly sophisticated Minoans which were Europe’s first great civilization built the Palace of Knossos, the legendary home of King Minos which is connected with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth, with the Minotaur and the story of Daidalos and Ikaros. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Knossos_047.tif
  • Knossos. Crete. Greece. View of the bottom level of the cup-bearer fresco copy at the South Propylaeum at the Palace of Knossos. The colourful wall painting which depicts Minoan offerings was part of the enormous Procession frieze which lined the path from the West court to the South Propylaeum. The highly sophisticated Minoans which were Europe’s first great civilization built the Palace of Knossos, the legendary home of King Minos which is connected with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth, with the Minotaur and the story of Daidalos and Ikaros. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Knossos_048.tif
  • Knossos. Crete. Greece. View of numerous tourists milling around the Theatre Area where Minoans used to watch religious processions. The long stone paved processional way, Royal road, starts from the theatrical area in North West corner of the Large Palace to Small Palace. The highly sophisticated Minoans which were Europe’s first great civilization built the Palace of Knossos, the legendary home of King Minos which is connected with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth, with the Minotaur and the story of Daidalos and Ikaros. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Knossos_044.tif
  • Knossos. Crete. Greece. View of the Arthur Evans restored North Lustral basin (on left) and elevated colonnaded west bastion (on right) of the North Entrance of the Palace of Knossos. The highly sophisticated Minoans which were Europe’s first great civilization built the Palace of Knossos, the legendary home of King Minos which is connected with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth, with the Minotaur and the story of Daidalos and Ikaros. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Knossos_039.tif
  • Knossos. Crete. Greece. Rear view of the Arthur Evans restored and elevated colonnaded west bastion of the North Entrance of the Palace of Knossos. Adorning its inner wall is a copy of the Charging Bull relief fresco. The highly sophisticated Minoans which were Europe’s first great civilization built the Palace of Knossos, the legendary home of King Minos which is connected with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth, with the Minotaur and the story of Daidalos and Ikaros. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Knossos_038.tif
  • Knossos. Crete. Greece. View of west wall of the Throne room which is adorned with a Griffins fresco which were regarded as sacred by the Minoans. The Throne Room is located on the ground floor of the Palace of Knossos west wing. The highly sophisticated Minoans which were Europe’s first great civilization built the Palace of Knossos, the legendary home of King Minos which is connected with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth, with the Minotaur and the story of Daidalos and Ikaros. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Knossos_036.tif
  • Knossos. Crete. Greece. View of a copy of the Charging Bull relief fresco which adorns the Arthur Evans restored elevated colonnaded west bastion of the North Entrance of the Palace of Knossos. The highly sophisticated Minoans which were Europe’s first great civilization built the Palace of Knossos, the legendary home of King Minos which is connected with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth, with the Minotaur and the story of Daidalos and Ikaros. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Knossos_033.tif
  • Knossos. Crete. Greece. View of part of the Arthur Evans restored and elevated colonnaded west bastion of the North Entrance of the Palace of Knossos. Adorning its inner wall is a copy of the Charging Bull relief fresco. The highly sophisticated Minoans which were Europe’s first great civilization built the Palace of Knossos, the legendary home of King Minos which is connected with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth, with the Minotaur and the story of Daidalos and Ikaros. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Knossos_030.tif
  • Knossos. Crete. Greece. View of part of the Arthur Evans restored and elevated colonnaded west bastion of the North Entrance of the Palace of Knossos. Adorning its inner wall is a copy of the Charging Bull relief fresco. The highly sophisticated Minoans which were Europe’s first great civilization built the Palace of Knossos, the legendary home of King Minos which is connected with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth, with the Minotaur and the story of Daidalos and Ikaros. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Knossos_027.tif
  • Knossos. Crete. Greece. View of the Arthur Evans restored North Lustral basin which Evans believed was used to purify visitors going into the Palace via the neighbouring North entrance. It has a lower level which is reached by steps surrounded by columns and was lined with gypsum giving it a luxurious appearance. The highly sophisticated Minoans which were Europe’s first great civilization built the Palace of Knossos, the legendary home of King Minos which is connected with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth, with the Minotaur and the story of Daidalos and Ikaros. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Knossos_025.tif
  • Knossos. Crete. Greece. Close up view of the top of a red concrete column with at the rear of Arthur Evans restored South Propylaion. The highly sophisticated Minoans which were Europe’s first great civilization built the Palace of Knossos, the legendary home of King Minos which is connected with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth, with the Minotaur and the story of Daidalos and Ikaros. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Knossos_015.tif
  • Knossos. Crete. Greece. View of one of the three large circular pits known as Kouloures, which were originally used as grain stores and then used later for votive offerings. They date from the old palace period between 1900-1700 BC. The highly sophisticated Minoans which were Europe’s first great civilization built the Palace of Knossos, the legendary home of King Minos which is connected with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth, with the Minotaur and the story of Daidalos and Ikaros. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Knossos_008.tif
  • Knossos. Crete. Greece. View of the copy of the Bull leaper fresco located in the upper level room above the Throne Room which is located in the West wing of the Palace of Knossos. The original (17th-15th centuries BC), was found in the east wing and is on display at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.The highly sophisticated Minoans which were Europe’s first great civilization built the Palace of Knossos, the legendary home of King Minos which is connected with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth, with the Minotaur and the story of Daidalos and Ikaros. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Knossos_006.tif
  • Knossos. Crete. Greece. View of a copy of the Charging Bull relief fresco which adorns the Arthur Evans restored elevated colonnaded west bastion of the North Entrance of the Palace of Knossos. The highly sophisticated Minoans which were Europe’s first great civilization built the Palace of Knossos, the legendary home of King Minos which is connected with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth, with the Minotaur and the story of Daidalos and Ikaros. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Knossos_002.tif
  • Knossos. Crete. Greece. View of part of the Arthur Evans restored and elevated colonnaded west bastion of the North Entrance of the Palace of Knossos. Adorning its inner wall is a copy of the Charging Bull relief fresco. The highly sophisticated Minoans which were Europe’s first great civilization built the Palace of Knossos, the legendary home of King Minos which is connected with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth, with the Minotaur and the story of Daidalos and Ikaros. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Knossos_001.tif
  • Gortys. Crete. Greece. Part view of the remains of a Roman aqueduct at the archaeological site of Gortyn. This aqueduct supplied water from Zaros, 15 kilometres away,  for the city and its numerous fountains and nymphaeums. The vast Greco-Roman ruins of Gortyn or Gortys, a former ancient capital of Crete, are scattered among fields and olive groves in the middle of the Messara plain in the prefecture of Iraklio. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Gortys_068.tif
  • Gortyn. Crete. Greece. View of a headless marble statue of an unknown Roman figure of the vast Praetorium complex at the archaeological site of Gortyn. Originally built in the 1st century BC to house the Roman governor of the newly formed province of Crete and Cyrenaica, the complex included a basilican hall used as law courts, private residences and a shrine dedicated to Augustus. The vast Greco-Roman ruins of Gortyn or Gortys, a former ancient capital of Crete, are scattered among fields and olive groves in the middle of the Messara plain in the prefecture of Iraklio. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Gortys_062.tif
  • Gortyn. Crete. Greece. View of the jumbled ruins of stone blocks and marble column stumps from the vast Praetorium complex at the archaeological site of Gortyn. Originally built in the 1st century BC to house the Roman governor of the newly formed province of Crete and Cyrenaica, the complex included a basilican hall used as law courts, private residences and a shrine dedicated to Augustus. The vast Greco-Roman ruins of Gortyn or Gortys, a former ancient capital of Crete, are scattered among fields and olive groves in the middle of the Messara plain in the prefecture of Iraklio. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Gortys_052.tif
  • Gortyn. Crete. Greece. View of the jumbled ruins of stone blocks and marble column stumps from the vast Praetorium complex at the archaeological site of Gortyn. Originally built in the 1st century BC to house the Roman governor of the newly formed province of Crete and Cyrenaica, the complex included a basilican hall used as law courts, private residences and a shrine dedicated to Augustus. The vast Greco-Roman ruins of Gortyn or Gortys, a former ancient capital of Crete, are scattered among fields and olive groves in the middle of the Messara plain in the prefecture of Iraklio. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Gortys_053.tif
  • Gortyn. Crete. Greece. View of the jumbled ruins of stone blocks and marble column stumps from the vast Praetorium complex at the archaeological site of Gortyn. Originally built in the 1st century BC to house the Roman governor of the newly formed province of Crete and Cyrenaica, the complex included a basilican hall used as law courts, private residences and a shrine dedicated to Augustus. The vast Greco-Roman ruins of Gortyn or Gortys, a former ancient capital of Crete, are scattered among fields and olive groves in the middle of the Messara plain in the prefecture of Iraklio. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Gortys_050.tif
  • Gortyn. Crete. Greece. View of archaeological excavations near the Temple of Pythian Apollo at the archaeological site of Gortyn. The vast Greco-Roman ruins of Gortyn or Gortys, a former ancient capital of Crete, are scattered among fields and olive groves in the middle of the Messara plain in the prefecture of Iraklio. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Gortys_049.tif
  • Gortys. Crete. Greece. View of a well preserved Roman altar within the vast Praetorium complex at the archaeological site of Gortyn. Originally built in the 1st century BC to house the Roman governor of the newly formed province of Crete and Cyrenaica, the Praetorium complex included a basilican hall used as law courts, private residences and a shrine dedicated to Augustus. The vast Greco-Roman ruins of Gortyn or Gortys, a former ancient capital of Crete, are scattered among fields and olive groves in the middle of the Messara plain in the prefecture of Iraklio. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Gortys_044.tif
  • Gortyn. Crete. Greece. View along an excavated path that borders (to the right) the jumbled ruins of the vast Praetorium complex at the archaeological site of Gortyn. Originally built in the 1st century BC to house the Roman governor of the newly formed province of Crete and Cyrenaica, the complex included a basilican hall used as law courts, private residences and a shrine dedicated to Augustus. The vast Greco-Roman ruins of Gortyn or Gortys, a former ancient capital of Crete, are scattered among fields and olive groves in the middle of the Messara plain in the prefecture of Iraklio. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Gortys_045.tif
  • Gortyn. Crete. Greece. View of the 2nd century BC stepped monumental altar in front of the Temple of Pythian Apollo which was the holiest sanctuary in Gortyn and known throughout the ancient world. The temple was built in the 7th century BC above an earlier Minoan temple, and was remodelled in the Hellenistic period and then was converted to a Christian church in the 2nd century AD. The vast Greco-Roman ruins of Gortyn or Gortys, a former ancient capital of Crete, are scattered among fields and olive groves in the middle of the Messara plain in the prefecture of Iraklio. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Gortys_039.tif
  • Gortyn. Crete. Greece. View of the scare remains of the Temple of Pythian Apollo which was the holiest sanctuary in Gortyn and known throughout the ancient world. The temple was built in the 7th century BC above an earlier Minoan temple, and was remodelled in the Hellenistic period and then was converted to a Christian church in the 2nd century AD. The vast Greco-Roman ruins of Gortyn or Gortys, a former ancient capital of Crete, are scattered among fields and olive groves in the middle of the Messara plain in the prefecture of Iraklio. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Gortys_035.tif
  • Gortyn. Crete. Greece. View of the scare remains of the Temple of Pythian Apollo which was the holiest sanctuary in Gortyn and known throughout the ancient world. The temple was built in the 7th century BC above an earlier Minoan temple, and was remodelled in the Hellenistic period and then was converted to a Christian church in the 2nd century AD. The vast Greco-Roman ruins of Gortyn or Gortys, a former ancient capital of Crete, are scattered among fields and olive groves in the middle of the Messara plain in the prefecture of Iraklio. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Gortys_033.tif
  • Gortyn. Crete. Greece. View of the scare remains of a Roman theatre with half of its cavea surviving near Temple of Pythian Apollo at the archaeological site of Gortyn. The vast Greco-Roman ruins of Gortyn or Gortys, a former ancient capital of Crete, are scattered among fields and olive groves in the middle of the Messara plain in the prefecture of Iraklio. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Gortys_026.tif
  • Gortyn. Crete. Greece. View of the famous evergreen and ageless plane tree at the archaeological site at Gortys. According to legend, Zeus in the appearance of a bull brought Princess Europa to lie with him under the tree after abducting her from Phoenica. Three mythical sons were born to Europa: Minos, Rhadamanthys and Sarpedon. It is said, the plane tree witnessed all this and has refused to sheds its leaves ever since. In centuries past, locals used to picks the leaves of the tree hoping that it will help them have sons. The Greco-Roman ruins of Gortyn or Gortys, a former ancient capital of Crete, are scattered among fields and olive groves in the middle of the Messara plain. Its archaeological remains date mainly from the Roman and Byzantine periods.
    Greece_Crete_Gortys_022.tif
  • Gortyn. Crete. Greece. Part view of the famous Law Code which is inscribed in the Greek Dorian dialect on huge blocks of stones used to reconstruct the odeion.  Dating from 500BC, they are the first code of law in Europe and they were written in a style known as boustrophedon, that is one line from left to right and the next line from right to left, just as an ox ploughs a field. The Greco-Roman ruins of Gortyn or Gortys, a former ancient capital of Crete, are scattered among fields and olive groves in the middle of the Messara plain. Its archaeological remains date mainly from the Roman and Byzantine periods.
    Greece_Crete_Gortys_016.tif
  • Gortyn. Crete. Greece. View of the remains of the Odeon which was built in the 1st century BC and then restored during the reign of Roman Emperor Trajan due to earthquake damage. Behind it is the modern building sheltering the blocks of Law Code. The Greco-Roman ruins of Gortyn or Gortys, a former ancient capital of Crete, are scattered among fields and olive groves in the middle of the Messara plain. Its archaeological remains date mainly from the Roman and Byzantine periods.
    Greece_Crete_Gortys_013.tif
  • Gortyn. Crete. Greece. View over excavated ruins to the Odeon and the modern building sheltering the blocks of Law code Gortys. Scattered among fields and olive groves in the middle of the Messara plain lays the Greco-Roman ruins of Gortyn or Gortys which is a former ancient capital of Crete.  Gortyn prospered during the period of the Dorian city states in the 6th century BC and achieved the status of the capital of Crete after the Roman invasion in 67 BC. It kept this title until the Arab conquest in 828 AD. Gortyn is said to have sheltered Hannibal after his defeat in 189 BC at Magnesia.
    Greece_Crete_Gortys_010.tif
  • Gortyn. Crete. Greece. View over excavated ruins to the Odeon and the modern building sheltering the blocks of Law code Gortys. Scattered among fields and olive groves in the middle of the Messara plain lays the Greco-Roman ruins of Gortyn or Gortys which is a former ancient capital of Crete.  Gortyn prospered during the period of the Dorian city states in the 6th century BC and achieved the status of the capital of Crete after the Roman invasion in 67 BC. It kept this title until the Arab conquest in 828 AD. Gortyn is said to have sheltered Hannibal after his defeat in 189 BC at Magnesia.
    Greece_Crete_Gortys_009.tif
  • Gortyn. Crete. Greece. View of the Christian Basilica of Agios Titis at Gortyn. Dating from the 6th century, the Byzantine church is the best preserved early Christian church in Crete and was the seat of the Archbishops until the Arab conquest. The Greco-Roman ruins of Gortyn or Gortys which is a former ancient capital of Crete are scattered among fields and olive groves in the middle of the Messara plain.
    Greece_Crete_Gortys_006.tif
  • Gortyn. Crete. Greece. View through a doorway of the Christian Basilica of Agios Titis at Gortyn. Dating from the 6th century, the Byzantine church it is the best preserved early Christian church in Crete and was the seat of the Archbishops until the Arab invasion. Scattered among fields and olive groves in the middle of the Messara plain lays the Greco-Roman ruins of Gortyn or Gortys which is a former ancient capital of Crete.
    Greece_Crete_Gortys_003.tif
  • Moni Arkadiou. Crete. Greece. View of colourful pot plants lined up against a rustic stone wall inside the beautiful and impressive Monastery of Arkadiou. The Orthodox Monastery of Arkadiou was originally founded in the 11 century and is set on a plateau in the Ida Mountains 23 kilometres southeast of Rethymno. It was the scene of glorious tragic incident event in 1866 during the Cretan resistance against Turkish forces in which a large number of refugees as well as Cretan freedom fighters sacrificed their lives by deciding to blow-up themselves with the powder magazine stores here rather than suffer death at the hands of the Turks. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Moni_Arkadiou_058.tif
  • Moni Arkadiou. Crete. Greece.  View of the back of the beautiful golden stone Venetian church inside the impressive Monastery of Arkadiou. Dating from 1587, the church has a highly decorative façade with a mix of styles including Baroque, Renaissance, Gothic and Neoclassical.  The Orthodox Monastery of Arkadiou was originally founded in the 11 century and is set on a plateau in the ida Mountains 23 kilometres southeast of Rethymno. It was the scene of glorious tragic incident event in 1866 during the Cretan resistance against Turkish forces in which a large number of refugees as well as Cretan freedom fighters sacrificed their lives by deciding to blow-up themselves with the powder magazine stores here rather than suffer death at the hands of the Turks. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Moni_Arkadiou_056.tif
  • Moni Arkadiou. Crete. Greece. View a green plant with pinkish coloured flowers and the back of the beautiful golden stone Venetian church inside the impressive Monastery of Arkadiou. Dating from 1587, the church has a highly decorative façade with a mix of styles including Baroque, Renaissance, Gothic and Neoclassical.  The Orthodox Monastery of Arkadiou was originally founded in the 11 century and is set on a plateau in the ida Mountains 23 kilometres southeast of Rethymno. It was the scene of glorious tragic incident event in 1866 during the Cretan resistance against Turkish forces in which a large number of refugees as well as Cretan freedom fighters sacrificed their lives by deciding to blow-up themselves with the powder magazine stores here rather than suffer death at the hands of the Turks. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Moni_Arkadiou_053.tif
  • Moni Arkadiou. Crete. Greece.  View of the back of the beautiful golden stone Venetian church inside the impressive Monastery of Arkadiou. Dating from 1587, the church has a highly decorative façade with a mix of styles including Baroque, Renaissance, Gothic and Neoclassical.  The Orthodox Monastery of Arkadiou was originally founded in the 11 century and is set on a plateau in the ida Mountains 23 kilometres southeast of Rethymno. It was the scene of glorious tragic incident event in 1866 during the Cretan resistance against Turkish forces in which a large number of refugees as well as Cretan freedom fighters sacrificed their lives by deciding to blow-up themselves with the powder magazine stores here rather than suffer death at the hands of the Turks. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Moni_Arkadiou_051.tif
  • Moni Arkadiou. Crete. Greece. View of colourful pot plants inside the beautiful and impressive Monastery of Arkadiou. The Orthodox Monastery of Arkadiou was originally founded in the 11 century and is set on a plateau in the Ida Mountains 23 kilometres southeast of Rethymno. It was the scene of glorious tragic incident event in 1866 during the Cretan resistance against Turkish forces in which a large number of refugees as well as Cretan freedom fighters sacrificed their lives by deciding to blow-up themselves with the powder magazine stores here rather than suffer death at the hands of the Turks. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Moni_Arkadiou_049.tif
  • Moni Arkadiou. Crete. Greece.  View of vaulted entrance to the Monks cells inside the beautiful and impressive Monastery of Arkadiou. During the two weeks siege in 186, this place was used as infirmary for the injured. The Orthodox Monastery of Arkadiou was originally founded in the 11 century and is set on a plateau in the Ida Mountains 23 kilometres southeast of Rethymno. It was the scene of glorious tragic incident event in 1866 during the Cretan resistance against Turkish forces in which a large number of refugees as well as Cretan freedom fighters sacrificed their lives by deciding to blow-up themselves with the powder magazine stores here rather than suffer death at the hands of the Turks. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Moni_Arkadiou_045.tif
  • Moni Arkadiou. Crete. Greece.  View of vaulted entrance to the Monks cells inside the beautiful and impressive Monastery of Arkadiou. During the two weeks siege in 186, this place was used as infirmary for the injured. The Orthodox Monastery of Arkadiou was originally founded in the 11 century and is set on a plateau in the Ida Mountains 23 kilometres southeast of Rethymno. It was the scene of glorious tragic incident event in 1866 during the Cretan resistance against Turkish forces in which a large number of refugees as well as Cretan freedom fighters sacrificed their lives by deciding to blow-up themselves with the powder magazine stores here rather than suffer death at the hands of the Turks. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Moni_Arkadiou_042.tif
  • Moni Arkadiou. Crete. Greece.  View of vaulted entrance to the Monks cells inside the beautiful and impressive Monastery of Arkadiou. During the two weeks siege in 186, this place was used as infirmary for the injured. The Orthodox Monastery of Arkadiou was originally founded in the 11 century and is set on a plateau in the Ida Mountains 23 kilometres southeast of Rethymno. It was the scene of glorious tragic incident event in 1866 during the Cretan resistance against Turkish forces in which a large number of refugees as well as Cretan freedom fighters sacrificed their lives by deciding to blow-up themselves with the powder magazine stores here rather than suffer death at the hands of the Turks. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Moni_Arkadiou_040.tif
  • Moni Arkadiou. Crete. Greece. View of busts of resistance heroes at the former windmill of the Monastery of Arkadiou which is used today as an ossuary that preserves the bones of the fighters of the tragic and heroic 1866 battle. The Orthodox Monastery of Arkadiou was originally founded in the 11 century and is set on a plateau in the Ida Mountains 23 kilometres southeast of Rethymno. It was the scene of glorious tragic incident event in 1866 during the Cretan resistance against Turkish forces in which a large number of refugees as well as Cretan freedom fighters sacrificed their lives by deciding to blow-up themselves with the powder magazine stores here rather than suffer death at the hands of the Turks. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Moni_Arkadiou_035.tif
  • Moni Arkadiou. Crete. Greece. View of the bullet tree inside the impressive Monastery of Arkadiou. A witness to and scorched by the fire of the Turks in the  great battle of 1866, this old cross shaped cypress stands pointing to the church A bullet can still be seen in its dead bark. The Orthodox Monastery of Arkadiou was originally founded in the 11 century and is set on a plateau in the Ida Mountains 23 kilometres southeast of Rethymno. It was the scene of glorious tragic incident event in 1866 during the Cretan resistance against Turkish forces in which a large number of refugees as well as Cretan freedom fighters sacrificed their lives by deciding to blow-up themselves with the powder magazine stores here rather than suffer death at the hands of the Turks. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Moni_Arkadiou_029.tif
  • Moni Arkadiou. Crete. Greece.  View of the powder magazine inside the beautiful and impressive Monastery of Arkadiou. Formerly a wine cellar, it was used as a storeroom for ammunition during the revolt against the Turks. The Orthodox Monastery of Arkadiou was originally founded in the 11 century and is set on a plateau in the Ida Mountains 23 kilometres southeast of Rethymno. It was the scene of glorious tragic incident event in 1866 during the Cretan resistance against Turkish forces in which a large number of refugees as well as Cretan freedom fighters sacrificed their lives by deciding to blow-up themselves with the powder magazine stores here rather than suffer death at the hands of the Turks. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Moni_Arkadiou_026.tif
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