Day 1 : The Minoan palace
The Minoan palace is the main place to visit in Knossos (or Knossos), an important city in antiquity, with continuous life from the Neolithic years to the 5th century. It is built on the hill of Kefala, with easy access to the sea and the interior of Crete. According to tradition, it was the seat of the wise king Minos. Fascinating myths, of the Labyrinth with the Minotaur and of Daedalus with Icarus, are connected with the palace of Knossos.
Agia Irini at SpiliaIn the area of Agia Irini at Spilia there is the largest of the aqueduct bridges built in Crete in order to solve the water shortage problem of the Grand Castle (today's Heraklion). Through this water bridge built during the Egyptian occupation (1830-40) the water was transferred from the Fountana spring in Kounavi and from the Miliaras spring in Skalani, to the center of Heraklion, after it had been merged with the water coming through the Venetian aqueduct of Morozini. The reason for the construction was the identification by the Egyptians of the ancient Roman aqueduct of Knossos, with an underground tunnel 1150m long, which was cleaned, opened and restored. The east entrance of the tunnel survives in excellent condition, while the west is blocked by soil. The area is ideal for a walk, as in the adjacent church of Agia Irini (Saint Irene) there is a very beautiful park with trees and benches.
The Kazantzakis MuseumThe Kazantzakis Museum pays tribute to the important intellectual, author, thinker, philosopher, politician and traveler Nikos Kazantzakis. The Museum is made up of a cluster of buildings in the central square of the historical village of Varvari, now known as Myrtia. The Museum Exhibition is housed on a site formerly occupied by the home of the Anemoyannis family, which was related to Nikos Kazantzakis' father, Kapetan Michalis. The Museum was founded in 1983 by set and costume designer Yiorgos Anemoyannis, a pioneering figure in Greek theatre. His fundamental aim was to preserve the author's memory and promote his work and thought. Significant assistance was offered by Eleni Kazantzaki, the author's second wife. The museum opening ceremony was held on 27th June 1983.
Archanes VillageArriving in a unique Private Estate full of trees and flowers, located at the foot of mountain Giouhtas. We will join for Lunch with plenty of Wine and Raki.
