Crete

We had 4 full days in Crete and needed more than a week. There was so much to see and lots of history. On our arrival in Heraklion, the capital, the influence of several hundred years of Venetian rule was very obvious (seen on the other islands too). They bought the city from the Byzantines in the 13th century in a political deal. There is a giant city wall, shipping buildings, and a harbour fortress.

Inside & outside the fort

Our hotel was in the middle of the city, full of noise & traffic - a shock at first but then fine as a city experience. There were plenty of streets in which to do our 'getting lost' trick! We also enjoyed the company of an English woman from a cruise ship whose husband was in hospital after an accident. (We stay with them near Liverpool this weekend.)

(street view from our hotel room)

On our first day we went by local bus to Knossos where a Minoan palace, destroyed by the earthquake and tidal wave from the Santorini volcanic eruption, is being rebuilt. There is plenty of controversy about the accuracy of the rebuilding.

The queen's quarters

Siphoning was used to empty the large urns, as the Minoans were even smaller than Kay!


Another bus ride took us to Gortys, the first city in Crete to accept Christianity. The first bishop St Titus was a protege of St Paul and left are the remnants of his church.

Right is one of many stones tablets carrying the laws of Gortys, the oldest European laws, contributing to penal law today.

This olive tree nearby has been dated by the marble post it has grown around - more than 1500 years old!

Our trip ended at Matala, a popular

beach waiting for the summer. In the cliffs are Roman burials caves to explore. Needless to say we had another delicious Greek meal at a cafe beside the beach before the bus

journey home.

Another posting on Crete to follow.