On the NW coast of Crete the west coast of the gulf of Kissamos projects northwards and forms a promontory that the ancients named Korykos Akran.
West of this tongue of land are two small rocky islets. The one north of the promontory is Agriogramvoussa, south of it and to the west is Gramvoussa itself.
 Due to its strategic location, Gramvoussa was fortified by the Venetians, who built a well-fortified castle on the top of a steepy rock at an altitude of 137 m.
Construction on the castle of Gramvoussa started in 1579 and ended in 1582. It was destroyed in 1588, however, when thunder struck on the powder store.The castle was rebuilt in 1630.
It was one of the three castles to remain under Venetian dominion after the Turkish occupation of Crete (the other two were those of Sitia and Spinalonga).
Even though the castle was impregnable, during the Venetian-Turkish war the Italian commandant was bribed by the Turks and he gave over the castle in 1692.
During the Greek uprising against the Turks, Gramvoussa played an important and desicive role. After many attempts the castle was finally occupied by the Cretan revolutioners in 1825, when a team of Cretans disguised as Turks entered the castle. Gramvoussa was the first part of Crete to be liberated by the Turks.
The rocky island became a shelter for over 3000 people, and a base of operations for the revolution teams. But it also became a base of pirates that plundered every ship that passed to the seas around the island, so with the agreement of the Greek Government a English-French garrison took over the island of Gramvoussa in 1828.
Today, the high walls of the Gramvoussa are preserved, half ruined but awesome.
Opposite to the island of Gramvoussa is the wonderful beach of Balos.
|
|
|
Crete Complete Property
Find a property - Building, Purchase assistance - Property management - Property rentals - General advice
Delfini Hotel, Kissamos, Chania
At the old traditional port 2km from the town. Great view, nice beach, Entertainment rooms- Bar- Reception, playground
Sfakia Tours Rent A Car, Sfakia
Damoulis is very helful with everything a visitor to Sfakia may need.
Sun Rise Hotel
Apartments & studios by the sea. A/C. Swimming pool (adults + children), restaurant (home made food),..., Rodakino, South Rethymno
Horafakia Car Rental, Akrotiri
Low prices, best solutions. Here you'll find the car of your choice at a price you can afford.
Flisvos Tavern and Apartments, Frangokastelo
Right next to the deep blue sea- Guest house FLISVOS. Also: Apartments traditional houses.
|
|
