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The best Polish website dedicated to the Greek island Crete and to a small extent of continental Greece. You will find useful information related to visiting Crete that goes beyond the offer of optional tours. On the website you will also find descriptions of the most interesting places that we visited by visiting this largest Greek island. The content complements the current news, photographs and recipes of Greek cuisine.
It is recognized that Gournia was inhabited between 3000 BC and 1200 BC and is now one of the few cities unearthed to such a large extent. In other major cities, archaeologists focused mainly on discovering palace buildings, while in Gournia, apart from the palace, urban buildings, residential houses and a road network were also discovered.
A city of empty dishes
The first archaeological work was begun at the beginning of the 20th century by the American archaeologist Harriet Boyd Hawes. Unfortunately, it is not known what the original name of the settlement was, and the current one comes from the names of empty vessels that were found here. In many places you can still see their remains, mainly at the entrances to the houses.
Based on the found pottery, it can be assumed that the first inhabitants began to appear in the late Neolithic period (around 3000 BC), and that this region was still inhabited for hundreds of years, testify to the finds of pottery used among others during burials. The remains of this early period did not leave much, because before the construction of the first palace in the later period, the area was leveled and new buildings were erected on it. The appearance of the palace building changed the organization of the surrounding society. Some villages were incorporated into the new settlement, others simply abandoned their villages and moved to Gournia. At that time, the population was about 400 people. The proximity of the sea meant the development of fishing and maritime trade for the settlement. Located close to the narrowest part of Crete, Gourni has enabled contacts with the Libyan Sea and Africa. Thus, merchants, craftsmen and fishermen were dominant among the inhabitants of Gournia.
This brilliantly developing settlement was destroyed by fire and abandoned around 1450 BC. Destruction affected both the magnificent palace and the whole city. Gournia met the same fate as other Minoan centers in Crete at that time. To this day, we do not know the cause of these destructions, many different theories and discussions have arisen on it. One of the most likely is an armed attack or an earthquake.
After these cataclysms Gournia falls into disrepair and oblivion for about 50 years, after which it revives and grows again, covering an area of 25,000 square meters divided into 7 districts. It is estimated that the then Gournia was inhabited by about 4,000 people. The palace itself probably became the seat of the district governor, there are speculations that it may have belonged to Minos from Knossos , but it has not been explicitly confirmed (at least one of the sources says so).
The time of the Minoan peace
The city was centered around the palace. It was not fortified, which was the norm in prehistoric Crete, where the "Minoan peace" reigned after all. Thanks to the fact that the greater part of the city was discovered, it is possible to get to know the network of city roads consisting of two peripheral roads and narrower roads perpendicular to them climbing the slope of the hill on which the settlement was located. Naturally, these roads were not adapted to wheeled vehicles, but were only connected to a drainage system. Houses, the remains of which we see today, were small and quite tightly packed. Usually, these were warehouses that were located on the ground floor and were devoid of windows and usually doors, which made that the walls of the houses also acted as walls and were also protected against burglaries. The living quarters were usually located on the first or second floor. Entrances to them led directly from the street up the stairs. The warehouses were delivered from the level of living quarters, in which a flap was opened in the floor and a wooden staircase (or ladder) leading down. The living rooms were built of bricks, had flat roofs adapted to the southern climate. A small room was still built on the roofs, which could be used to sleep during hot weather during the summer months.
Dom AC
Dom CF
Dom DD - w głębi widać podstawę prasy do wyciskania winogron
In terms of architecture, there was a close similarity between the type of buildings in the city of Gournia and the modern Cretan village, maybe a bit less contemporary ;-). Thanks to unearthing the then residential buildings, day-to-day objects, such as ceramics or bronze tools, carpenters' tools, saw the light of day.
In the mid-15th century, the Achaeans conquered Crete and took over the achievements of the Minoan civilization. For minoan centers, this meant the beginning of the end. Gournia began to slowly depopulate until finally in 1200 BC it was completely abandoned.
Jeden z lepiej zachowanych murów
Widok ze wzniesienia na którym znajduje się pałac
Wykopaliska
Dolna część wykopalisk
W głębi widoczna obwodowa droga okalająca miasto
Widok w górę wykopalisk
Wejście do pałacu - widok od strony dziedzińca
Excavations can be visited daily (except Mondays) from 8.30 to 15.00. An entrance ticket to the excavation site costs 2 €. When planning a visit to Gourni, it is necessary to bring a headgear and a bottle of cold water with you, because the sun warms up the stone remains of the city causing solid heat. An additional advantage for lovers of all kinds of excavations is that Gournia is not occupied by tourists like other major Minoan centers.
How to get
Archaeological excavations in Gourni are located on the northern coast of Crete just a few hundred meters from the picturesque bay of Mirambello, almost opposite the Ierapetra located on the opposite coast of the island. If you travel from Istro towards Pachia Ammos, the ruins of Gourni are visible directly from the New National Road on a small hill located on the right side of the road.
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Interesting places on Crete
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W 2002 roku Falasarna zdobyła tytuł najlepszej plaży w Grecji. Wyróżnienie to nie jest bynajmniej przypadkowe, gdyż miejsce to jak na standardy Krety jest naprawdę unikalne.
Elafonisi is a small island located at the end of the southwestern edge of Crete. A characteristic feature of Elafonisi is the shallow lagoon connecting it with Crete.
Elafonisi is a small island located at the end of the southwestern edge of Crete. A characteristic feature of Elafonisi is the shallow lagoon connecting it with Crete.
Chania (Χανιά) is the second largest (after Heraklion) city of Crete. The biggest advantage of Chania is the area of the Old Town and the beautiful Venetian Harbor.
Aptera is a city whose history dates back to at least a thousand years before our era. In the peak period, about 20,000 lived in it. people, of which only 1/5 were free people.
Chania (Χανιά) is the second largest (after Heraklion) city of Crete. The biggest advantage of Chania is the area of the Old Town and the beautiful Venetian Harbor.
Omalos is a perfect starting point for exploring the Samaria Gorge. Located over 1,100 m above sea level extends over an area of 25 km2. Its size corresponds more or less to the size of the Lasithi Plateau.
Located 47 km from the city of Chania, it is the only freshwater lake in Crete. Its area is about 580 thousand. sqm. and the maximum depth is about 45 meters
Omalos is a perfect starting point for exploring the Samaria Gorge. Located over 1,100 m above sea level extends over an area of 25 km2. Its size corresponds more or less to the size of the Lasithi Plateau.
The steel crossing, which in the central part is separated from the ground by nearly 150 m, is at the leading position of the places where the longest bungee jumps are made.
Chania (Χανιά) is the second largest (after Heraklion) city of Crete. The biggest advantage of Chania is the area of the Old Town and the beautiful Venetian Harbor.
The cave is less than 1 km from Moni Gouvernetou Monastery. You will reach it using the pedestrian trail that has been marked out along the slope of the Avlaki Gorge.
Balos is one of Crete's flagship beaches if not all of Greece. We can assure you that the landscapes you see during your trip to Balos will remain with you for a very long time.
The Orthodox monastery of Agia Triada, located on the northern part of the Akrotiri peninsula, is one of the most beautiful and richest monasteries in Crete.
The Orthodox monastery of Agia Triada, located on the northern part of the Akrotiri peninsula, is one of the most beautiful and richest monasteries in Crete.
On the north-western coast of Crete, at the foot of the Gramovous peninsula, there are ruins of the ancient port of Korikos, later known as Falassarna.
Polyrinia was one of the most important city-states of western Crete during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. It was built amphitheater on a steep hill, rising to a height of 481 meters above sea level
The island of Gramvousa, or in fact Imeri Gramvousa (Ήμερη Γραμβούσα), is an inseparable point of a trip that combines a stay in the Balos Lagoon with visiting the remains of a fortress located on the top of the island of Imeri Gramovousa.
There is a beach in Crete that literally makes some people shiver. This place is Seitan Limania which can be translated as Satan's Ports or Cursed Ports.
Dozens of craft workshops located in this small mountain village make Margarites one of the four main centers where traditional Cretan ceramics are made.
The date of the foundation of Moni Arkadiou (Arkadi) is not exactly known. According to tradition, the name of this church refers to the name of the Emperor Arkadiusz, who supposedly was to be its founder.
The date of the foundation of Moni Arkadiou (Arkadi) is not exactly known. According to tradition, the name of this church refers to the name of the Emperor Arkadiusz, who supposedly was to be its founder.
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Skinaria is a small beach located along a small bay, whose outlet on both sides ends with a rocky coast. It is still a little-known place overlooked by mass tourism
Skinaria is a small beach located along a small bay, whose outlet on both sides ends with a rocky coast. It is still a little-known place overlooked by mass tourism
According to Greek mythology, Zeus hid (and perhaps even gave birth) in the Ida cave. This myth is the greatest asset of this cave, which is not as interesting and beautiful as the Dikte cave.
Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.
Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.
Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.
Plakias is a perfect place for people who like to spend time hiking. In the area of the town and the surrounding area, there are several hiking trails that lead to interesting beaches.
Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.
Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.
Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.
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Agia Triada is a small Minoan archaeological site in the south of Crete, located near Timpaki, located on the western slope of the hill about 40 meters above sea level.
This fortress is a perfect example of Crete's multiculturalism. Located today in Greek hands, it was built by the Venetians, but is called a name taken from the Turkish language.
Rouvas Gorge is one of the most interesting places in this part of Crete. The interesting trail leads in a perfect way to the changing appearance of this gorge.
Matala is one of the most popular towns not only of the southern coast but also of the whole of Crete. In the 1960s and 1970s, this small fishing village was a mecca for hippies.
The Odigitrias Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries of southern Crete. Unfortunately, in terms of popularity, he is far from other Cretan monasteries.
In addition to the famous grand palaces on the island in the Minoan period, a number of smaller residences were created. One of the most important examples is the Vathipetro discovered about 5 km north of Archanes, on the southeastern slope of Mount Juchtas in the central part of Crete.
When traveling around Crete, it is not difficult to pay attention to the fact that most of the beaches there are relatively small and short. For this reason, people who are used to our national Baltic standards, where the sandy coast stretches for kilometers, may experience a special disappointment. However, fortunately, nothing is lost, because Crete in its rich arsenal of various beaches can boast of those that allow for long walks along the coast. One of them, our favorite is the Kommos beach located in the south of the central part of the island.
Although there are countless caves in Crete, only a few can be visited. Sfendoni is the largest cave open to the public. content comes from: http://www.crete.pl www.CRETE.pl
Only a few kilometers separate the bustling city of Rethymno from Mili, a village abandoned by its inhabitants. This place is also known as the village hidden in the gorge.
Information about one of the more known tourist cities of Crete, or about Malia. Description of attractions located in the city of Malia and a description of the specificity of this town.
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Among the olive groves in the place called Logari, which is less than a kilometer from the village of Kritsa, there is a small Byzantine church of Panagia Kera from the 13th-14th centuries.
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Agios Nikolaos (Άγιος Νικόλαος) is a small town with less than 20,000 inhabitants. permanent residents (according to statistical data from 2001). This city is the capital of the Lasithi nomos.
Although Elounda seems to be a sleepy fishing town to this day, however, appearances should not fool you, because this town and its surroundings can boast of probably the largest number of the best hotels.
Although Elounda seems to be a sleepy fishing town to this day, however, appearances should not fool you, because this town and its surroundings can boast of probably the largest number of the best hotels.
Stalida is located directly along the coast and is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Crete, which definitely comes alive with the advent of the tourist season
Zakros is the fourth-largest Minoan palace in Crete in importance and size. This latest found, built on the east coast of the island is located in the village of Káto Zákros.
Zakros is the fourth-largest Minoan palace in Crete in importance and size. This latest found, built on the east coast of the island is located in the village of Káto Zákros.
The first palace was built around 1900 BC. in the place where there was a quite impressive settlement whose remains were later transformed into the central part of the city.
The ruins of the ancient city of Itanos are located at the eastern tip of Crete, less than 3 kilometers north of the famous palm beach of Vai. Although there are also nice beaches at Itanos, unlike its well-known neighbor, this place does not attract crowds. There are either accidental stray tourists or excavation enthusiasts here.
Less than 10,000 population of Sitia makes the city the smallest in Crete. Some even go a step further and say perversely that it is rather the largest village of Crete.
Napoleon's house is one of the few typically tourist attractions in Ierapetra. About what could have happened here in the summer of 1798 and possibly how much in this legend is the truth we write in the article on the page below.
Moni Kapsa Monastery is one of the most interesting monasteries in Crete. Its massive buildings were erected on rocky, gray slopes surrounding the nearby Pervolakia Gorge.
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11 km from the city of Sitia, near the modern village of Chamaizi, there is a small archaeological site. At the top of a cone-shaped hill called Souvloto Mouri, the remains of an unusual building with a unique oval shape were discovered. Despite its small size, it is one of the most important discoveries that comes from the Central Minoan period. So far, it is the only oval building from Crete in this period.
The name Aptera means no more or less without wings and is a direct reference to the legendary musical duel for which the Muses were challenged by Sirens, who were half-women and half-birds at the time. They did not have anyone in their territory who would be a worthy opponent in their singing and music. However, the duel with the Muses lost, and crushed by the result of the competition, they threw their wings and feathers to Soudha Bay. According to legends, today we can admire them as islands located at the mouth of the bay.
The Late-Romanesque cemetery in Armeni is located on the outskirts of this town, located less than 10 km south of the center of Rethymno. If you spend your holidays in this area, it is worth coming to this interesting archaeological site. Although it was discovered in 1969 by Yiannis Tzedakis, excavations are still carried out to this day.
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gość PiotrWie My lecieliśmy ( co prawda 10 kwietnia, więc 9 dni przed Wielkanocą ) z Aten na Paros i w samolocie było zdecydowanie poniżej połowy miejsc zajęte. Na dzień dzisiejszy jest bardzo mało ludzi - co nas bardzo cieszy. Ponieważ planujemy pozostać na Cykladach do 4 czerwca zobaczymy kiedy ilość turystów zacznie narastać.
gość zecia Moussaka to greckie danie, które zawsze mnie urzeka swoim smakiem. Robię ją z bakłażanem, mieloną wołowiną, ziemniakami i kremowym beszamelem. Bakłażana smażę na oliwie, mięso doprawiam cynamonem i pomidorami – aromat roznosi się po kuchni. Układam warstwy i zapiekam, aż wierzch jest złocisty – wygląda jak z obrazka. Dla nas wrzucam odrobinę ostrej papryki – polski sznyt dla wyrazistości. (...)
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