THE ISLAND OF CRETE

Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, lies to the southeast of the Greek mainland in the Mediterranean Sea. It is 260 km long with a width that ranges from 12 to 60 km.

Crete’s unique geographical position – between Europe, Asia and Africa – has shaped its history from antiquity to modern times. Today the island has a population of over 600,000 people. While Crete has a modern, rapidly growing economy based on tourism and agriculture, the Cretan people, especially those in small towns and villages still maintain time-honored customs and traditions, including Cretan music played on the Cretan lyra, Cretan dances like the pendozalis, and Cretan food.

The island of Crete has a rugged, mountainous terrain, with numerous gorges and ravines. The most well known is the Samaria Gorge, which is 18 km long and has vertical walls of rock that reach a height of 500 m. Samaria is the last refuge of the kri-kri, the Cretan wild goat, and home to many rare Cretan wildflowers. Samaria and the many other ravines in Crete have played a crucial role in preserving the rich flora and fauna of the island, because they are far removed from human activity.

Crete has a rich and fascinating history. Modern archaeological discoveries reveal that from about 3000 to 1200 BC Crete was the centre of a flourishing Bronze Age civilization. The Cretan cultural achievements of this period, called the Minoan period, revealed those of Egypt and Mesopotamia in the same period. The island had 90 independent cities, the greatest of which was Knossos, capital of the realm of the legendary Cretan king Minos.

In 67 BC the island was conquered by the Romans. In 395 AD it passed to the Byzantine Empire. The island fell to the Arabs in 826 and remained under their rule until 961, when it was re-conquered by the Byzantines. Following the Fourth Crusade (1204), Crete was sold to the Venetians. In 1645 the Ottoman Empire began military operations in Crete against the Venetians, completing conquest of most of the island in 1669 and acquiring complete control in 1715. Cretan revolts against Turkish rule subsequently occurred and in 1913, following a bitter and lengthy struggle, Crete was ceded to Greece.

Cretan people are known for their love of freedom and independence; they have played a leading role in all the struggles of the Greek nation.

Crete’s archaeological sites – most notably the Minoan palaces at Knossos and Phaistos, its rich historical and cultural development, and its striking natural beauty, make it an ideal location for a university.

THE CITY OF RETHYMNO

Rethymno, a small city of about 27,900 inhabitants, is located on the northern coast of Crete, almost midway between the two larger cities of Chania and Heraklio. Rethymno is a charming blend of old and new. At the western edge of the city’s Old Town, there is a large fortress – the Fortezza – dating from the Venetian rule in the 16th century. It has strong walls reinforced by four bastions, and many buildings preserved within. Just outside the Fortezza is the Archaeological Museum whose exhibits include finds from the Neolithic, Minoan, Hellenistic and Roman periods. Also within the Old Town are the intricately-decorated Rimondi fountain, the Venetian Loggia, Turkish houses with enclosed gardens and sheltered balconies, minarets, and many other buildings of historical significance.

At the same time, Rethymno offers all the modern conveniences, and activities for just about every interest. For those who want to relax and enjoy the warm weather, there is a long sandy beach that starts in the town and stretches for 12 km. There is usually fresh fish to be found in the tavernas around the picturesque Venetian harbour; there are many other restaurants and tavernas in the city that offer typical Cretan cuisine and many other types of food. There are three cinemas in the city; music clubs, pubs and bars are also widespread. There are many small shops with attractive merchandise and souvenirs in the Old Town as well as stores with traditional Cretan handicrafts. In the summer the city sponsors a Renaissance Festival, which is the highlight of the city's cultural activities. The Festival hosts a variety of theatre, music and dance performances in the ancient amphitheatre inside the Fortezza. Despite its rapid growth, Rethymno has retained its traditional character. In the 16^th and 17th centuries, the town of Rethymno developed a reputation as a centre of Arts and Letters, which it has maintained to the present day. More information at www.rethymnon.gr.

THE CITY OF HERAKLIO

The city of Heraklio, with a population of about 133,000 inhabitants, is the largest city in Crete and one of the largest cities in Greece. It is situated on the northern coast of the island and accounts for most of the economic activity of Crete. It has a large, busy port and an international airport that receives about 15 percent of the total tourist traffic of Greece. The airport is named after Nikos Kazantzakis, the Cretan writer, poet and philosopher who was born in Heraklio.

Many Venetian monuments still remain in Heraklio, such as the Venetian walls which surround the old part of the city, the port fortress (Koules), the Venetian Loggia, and the Fountain with Lions built by the Venetian governor Morozini in 1628. The Archaeological Museum of Heraklio has exhibits ranging from Neolithic findings (5000 BC) to Roman remains (4th century AD) and is one of the best in the world; there is also a Historical and Ethnographic Museum. Located on the outskirts of Heraklio (5 km from the city centre) is the Minoan palace of Knossos. The famous Renaissance painter Domenikos Theotokopoulos, who became known as El Greco, was born in the nearby village of Fodele.

The city is host to cultural activities with a local, European and international dimension and appeal: art exhibitions, theatre, literary events, international conferences, and scientific meetings. In July and August, the Summer Festival takes place at Kazantzakis Theatre, which is situated in the park near the New Gate. The Festival includes ballet and theatrical performances, as well as classical, traditional, and modern music concerts.

The central square of the city, Eleftherias Square, is a pedestrian area surrounded by cafes, stores and restaurants. Raki, a traditional Cretan white spirit, can be enjoyed in special taverns called “rakadika” that also offer a variety of traditional Cretan appetizers. Heraklio is a rapidly growing, cosmopolitan city that plays a vital role in the economic, scientific and cultural development of Crete. More information at www.heraklion.gr.