Potamon Dam

Potamon Lake in Amari

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The Potamon lake is located in a verdant valley at Amari, 25 kilometers southeast of Rethymno. The Amari rivers dam construction in 2009 has formed this beautiful lake with a water capacity of 23 million cubic meters today.

The Potamon lake is expected to become one of the most important wetlands in the southeast Mediterranean. Already, many bird and animal species are beginning to inhabit the region. Many travelers in the wider area visit the lake to admire the amazing scenery!

Saint Eftychios church

The Church of St. Eftichios

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St. Eftichios is a church with amazing frescoes of the 11th century AD. It is situated in a beautiful area outside Chromonastiri, in a short distance from Alkyonides villas Rethymno.

The monument is under the auspecies of the Middle Byzantine monuments’ protection and promotion program of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture.

Rethymno port old town

Old town of Rethymnon

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The old town of Rethymnon is one of the best-preserved towns of the Renaissance. Lying in the heart of modern Rethymnon, it combines the oriental features of the Turkish period with Renaissance-style Venetian architecture.

A stroll through the alleys of the old town of Rethymnon is like traveling back in time. A living museum of monuments of past centuries. Despite the damage sustained in WWII, many Venetian and Turkish monuments still stand, as the town has not been struck by major earthquakes.

Arkadi Monastery Crete

Arkadi Monastery

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Arkadi Monastery is an Eastern Orthodox monastery, dates back to the 16th century, well known for its Renaissance influences. This influence is visible in the architecture, which mixes both Roman and baroque elements. As early as the 16th century, the monastery was a place for science and art and had a school and a rich library. A thick and high fortification wall surrounds the monastery that stands on a plateau.

The monastery played an active role in the Cretan resistance of Ottoman rule during the Cretan revolt of 1866. 943 Greeks, mostly women and children, sought refuge in the monastery. After three days of battle and under orders from the hegumen (abbot) of the monastery, the Cretans blew up barrels of gunpowder, choosing to sacrifice themselves rather than surrender.

Arkadi monastery became a national sanctuary in honor of the Cretan resistance. November 8 is a day of commemorative parties in Arkadi and Rethymno. The explosion did not end the Cretan insurrection, but it attracted the attention of the rest of the world.

Source: Arkadi Monastery From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Vrysinas

Vrysinas mountain

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Vrysinas is one of the mountains of Rethymno with a rich history and constant human presence throughout the centuries. Vrysinas slopes are verdant due to the presence of many springs (vrysi=fountain), a fact the mountain was named after.

During the Venetian and Turkish occupations, along with the cult that was still performed there, the mountain’s top was used as a watchpoint. During the Greek War for Independence (1821), many battles took place at this same location. At present, the top is used as a watchtower for fires.

The northern borders of Vrysinas are touching the sea. While driving from Heraklio to Rethymno, just when you reach the Panormo settlement, you will see the Vrysinas mountain as if emerging from the sea, rising gradually from top to bottom and then lowering towards southeast, trying to adjoin the mountain of Psiloritis.

Vrysinas mountain is part of the E4 National Trail Network Armeni-Vrysinas-Arkadi.

Related articles: Trail Armeni – Vrissinas – Prasses – Arkadi. Source: Trail Armeni – Vrissinas – Prasses – Arkadi – Travel Guide for Island Crete, Greece cretanbeaches.com

Mili Gorge, Rethymno

Walking the Mili Gorge

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Fairly easy to walk, the Mili Gorge starts at the small village of Xiro Chorio, Rethymnon, a short distance from Alkyonides Villas. The vegetation throughout the gorge is absolutely stunning. The whole area feels like a jungle. In between the amazing greenery arise small houses and a tiny deserted village. On the way, you may also come across many small admirable churches and chapels.

Chromonastiri

Chromonastiri settlement

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Chromonastiri is a local community of Rethymno Municipality. It is a traditional settlement and is classified as one of average cultural value.

Several buildings of the settlement were built during the Venetian period around the 12th-13th centuries. Chromonastiri awarded for being the “cleaner and organized traditional community” during the years 2005, 2007, 2008, and 2009.

Chania Crete Venetian harbour

The Venetian harbor in Rethymno

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Colorful buildings that overlook the sea with Venetian and Turkish architectural influences and a picturesque lighthouse built in the 17th century on the edge of the Venetian breakwater make up one of the most beautiful images of the city, just to the point that touches the sea.

The bustling waterfront framed by the tables of numerous tavernas and cafés is the ultimate meeting place all day and night.

Being in Crete automatically means that you are in a place famous for its:

  • flavors and its “real” scents
  • vast dreamy beaches
  • Venetian old towns
  • Castles and palm groves
  • Wild canyons
  • Unique archaeological sites
  • Cosmopolitan resorts
  • Traditional recipes at the top of the Mediterranean diet

The Fortress of Rethymno

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The Venetian castle has been an undisputed jewel of the city of Rethymno for centuries. Dating back to 1575, the fortress of Rethymno rises up on the hill of Palaiokastro ovelooking the city.

Important structures found within the Fortress of Rethymno:

  • The warehouse of artillery, where cannons and armor were stored
  • The residence of the Directors, house of one of the two Venetian Councilors of the city
  • The residence of the Rector, a luxurious and magnificent building in the main square of the fortress
  • The mosque of Ibrahim Khan
  • The small church of Agios Theodoros Trichinas (St. Theodore the Hair-Shirt Wearer)
  • Erofili Theater, which every summer hosts the Renaissance Festival of Rethymno.

The Old Town of Rethymno

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After dark, the Old Town of Rethymno is the point from which all walks begin and end.

The number one attraction and the favorite activity of every visitor of the city is the endless wandering in its cobbled street network.

Rethymnon’s worth visiting sights:

  • The lovely Venetian Rimondi Fountain, with water springing from three lion head-shaped water basins
  • The Historical and Folklore Museum housed in a beautiful Venetian mansion
  • The Turkish school of 1796 with its beautiful square
  • The impressive church of San Francesco and
  • The Mosque of Gazi Hussein Pasha, today housing the Rethymno Conservatory of Music