| E4 walk along the spine of Crete |
at 24.7km (NW) from Mitropoli
This is my log of the E4 long distance walk along the spine of Crete from East to West - it is intended to be a useful resource for others who are contemplating a similar walk along the E4 in Crete; it is not intended in any way to be a complete route guide.
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| Lenikos Resort | Agia Galini, South Rethimno
at 25km (W) from Mitropoli
At the top of Agia Galini, in an enchanting, verdurous location, an idyllic setting of 10,000 square meters, among olive trees and gardens of unique flowers, scents and colors, the touristic resort LENIKOS offers the nature lover, moments of serenity, relaxation, rest and casualness all year round, providing all comforts and facilities for your holidays. The resort consists of residences, guesthouses and luxurious maisonettes. It is an ideal accommodation solution for groups of up to 6 people -winter or summer- offering all comforts and facilities for your holidays. The 8,000-m² surrounding area extends on many different levels, with verandas, flowerbeds, gardens and yards. There is an outdoor playground near the swimming pool area. Lenikos is 61 km southeast of Rethymnon and 68 km southwest of Heraklion. Free private parking is provided.
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| Minoan Megaron at Vathypetro |
at 25.5km (NE) from Mitropoli
The Minoan villa at Vathypetro was most likely the residence of a local ruler. Its architecture is comparable to that of a "Little Palace": it has a central and west court, a small tripartite shrine, a three-columned portico, storerooms and workshops. It seems that the construction of the building was never completed. Interesting elements of its architecture are the installations of a wine-press in the south wing and an oil-press in the courtyard. Panoramio™ Photos [Area]
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| Petronikolis Traditional House |
at 26.3km (NE) from Mitropoli
All apartments have a fully equipped kitchen, with refrigerator, small oven, cooking utensils, coffee pot, boiler, toaster, mini bar and a complete dinner set. There is also autonomous heating system for each room, air conditioner, satellite TV, stereo, Internet, telephone, safe box, hair dryer and bath with hot water. In the surroundings there is an area of relaxation for the adults and a playground for children in the middle of a green garden. There are also a swimming-pool, a tavern with excellent food and a traditional cafe. Remarkable is also the incredible view of the village.
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| Anogeia |
at 26.5km (N) from Mitropoli
Anogia is a mountain town with 2500 permanent residents and is 55 km away from Rethymnon and 36 km from Iraklion. The name Anogia, means "high place - Ano Gi", is connected with the location that is built, in altitude of 700 m. Hospitable and pleasant residents have to tell a lot of old stories that have marked the tradition and the culture of the village. Anogia is a well-known village historically for its resident's resistance to the conquerors, Turkish and Germans.
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| Archanes Archaeological collection |
at 27.9km (NE) from Mitropoli
The Archaeological Museum of Archanes opened in 1993. It occupies an area of 570 square meters and it is located at the Tzami quarter in the center of the settlement. There, for the first time in Crete, the archaeological finds from a single site are exhibited. While the exterior spaces of the building were adapted to a tasteful ensemble, in resemblance with the impressive modesty of the environment and the traditional ochre and rosy colour tonations of Archanes. The interior was thus arranged as to accommodate the most modern mode of exhibition, especially attractive for the visitor. Although the most important finds from the Archanes excavation are kept in the Herakleion Archaeological Museum for safety reasons, the Archanes Museum is much more than a local, provincial museum. It supplies information on the Minoan civilization and probably better than the Heraklenon Museum, since here the usual monotony of an archaeological exhibition has been broken. The reason maybe that the main characteristic of the Archanes Museum is its in small scale completeness, like Archanes, the important, small town of northern Crete, where the cycle of life and death can be observed throughout Antiquity, even in the years beyond the Minoan period. InformationTel: +(30)2810 752712 Opening Hours:08.30-15.00 Tuesday: closed
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| Tylissos Archaeological Site |
at 28km (N) from Mitropoli
The houses of Tylissos were built during the LM I period (16th-15th century B.C.). Additions were made on House A in the LM II (15th-14th century B.C.) and on House C during the LM III period (14th century B.C.). The site was destroyed by fire in the 14th century B.C. and re - inhabited in historic times as is attested by ruins of later houses over the Minoan ones. Tylissos was excavated by Joseph Chatzidakis in 1902-1913. In 1954, in the course of restorations, parts of a paved court were revealed to the west, and a small stoa with five columns to the north of the Square of the Altar. The monuments were restored by the Archaeological Service (under the direction of Nicolaos Platon) in the period between 1954 and 1962. All three houses were again restored in 1990-1994. Source: The Hellenic Ministry of Culture
Panoramio™ Photos [Area]
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| The School at Ano Archanes |
at 28.3km (NE) from Mitropoli
An excellent specimen of a specialized building, one of the first structures erected during the period of the Cretan State. It was designed by the architect Salivero, one of Prince George's officials. The plans were completed in 1901 and the construction was accomplished thanks to donations of rich Archanians living in the U.S.A. The building is Pi-shaped in plan, has two storeys and a basement, it is built of stone and its roof is partially wooden and covered with tiles. It is a monumental but well balanced structure with many harmonic and elegant Neoclassical features. Since its construction, the building has been used as a school. During the German occupation it housed General Muller's division. Source: The Hellenic Ministry of Culture
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| Archanes |
at 28.6km (NE) from Mitropoli
A small traditional town (~4000 people) 15 km south of Iraklion on the foot of the sacred mountain Yiouhtas. Renowned for its excellent wine (from the varieties: vilana, kotsifali and madilari) and the archaeolocical sites and caves. In 1912, Xanthoudides noted the importance of Archanes, but Sir Arthur Evans was the first to characterize the site as palatial, declaring that Archanes was likely a Summer Palace for the Knossos kings. Spyridon Marinatos and N. Platon excavated minor areas in the region, but nothing supported Evans' theory. In 1964, J. Sakellarakis dug trial trenches at the Tourkoyeitonia site and uncovered the first evidence of a palace site. Since 1966, Archanes has been excavated by the Greek Archaeaological Society under the supervision of John Sakellarakis and Efi Sapouna-Sakellarakis. Links: http://www.archanes.gr/(GR)
Image Library
Panoramio™ Photos [Area]
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| Phourni Archaeological Site |
at 28.7km (NE) from Mitropoli
Excavations at Phourni have brought to light 26 buildings, most of which had funerary use. The cemetery was used from 2400 B.C. until 1200 B.C. and each complex had more than one architectural phase. Most of the funerary buildings were used for many decades and contain successive burials. Excavations were begun in 1964 by Efi and John Sakellarakis and have been continued until today (1995) with short interruptions. Most of the buildings are preserved in good condition. Panoramio™ Photos [Area]
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