Friday 12 July 2019

JULY 2019 : GREECE : DAY 3 : Heraklion - Chania by bus : 3 hours


A morning in Heraklion - the provincial capital. Amongst the historical buildings there is a thriving modern commercial centre. We had breakfast in Lion’s Square, a leafy area filled with cafes and restaurants.


A typical breakfast


The fountain inspired the name of Lion Square


The main cathedral with its highly polished dome


Some graffiti-inspired décor


A memorial to WW2 with a gum tree backdrop. We thought there might be some Australian connection but nothing on the plaque to reflect that. Australians proudly served here to support the Greeks against the Nazi regime.

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Remnants of the past


The Archaeological Museum with articles found in sites in relative proximity to Heraklion, particularly of the Minoan period. A very stylish modern museum with items clearly displayed and labelled.


Early pottery - thousands of years old - coffee anyone?


Burial chambers, similar to the Egyptian sarcophagus 


Early frescoes


This story particularly appealed to me with so much emotion shown by both characters. The details below.




Fine gold work, this is a bee gathering pollen


A snake goddess


Early forms of writing


The discovery and introduction of metal into artwork brought a new level of sophistication 


After our whistle stop tour of Heraklion, we walked around the port to the bus station. Sea was a little rougher today


Icarus



Busy bus station coping with the throngs of tourists


We were heading to Chania (15€ pp), a three hour drive to the west


A rather elaborate bus stop along the way


Rocky hills covered in olive groves


Attractive coastline 


Some small resorts


We arrived in Chania about 3.30pm. We are staying in the old town near the port in the Enetiko Rooms (60€). It is a very attractive area.


Our room


With sea views


Some interesting light meals today. Zucchini boureki and escargots. For dinner I had a seed-encrusted fried feta and strawberry salad. Everything is very reasonably priced. Wines so far have been quite rough, and sometimes unpalatable, but plenty of other choices.



Late in the afternoon, although still very warm (30C+), we walked around the port to the lighthouse.


Many attractive buildings, varying from Venetian and Turkish (both ruled here for a time) and more latterly Greek.


The original tannery district


The harbour view from the lighthouse


The mosque, Giali Tzamissi, dating back to Ottoman times in the 17th century. This was the first mosque built in Crete in 1649. It ceased being a place of worship in 1923, when the last Muslims left Crete.


Venetian arches ( 1252-1645)


Lights on as the sun sets


Keen photographers capture the sun set from the lighthouse



M&M

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