Almyrida - A long time ago…..

Following on from yesterday's visit to Kera Here are some photos of the Early Christian  Basillica at Almyrida

This photograph is courtesy of Orthodox Crete and shows the layout of the church and the patterns of its floor.

This basilica was built in the 5/6 century and has impressive mosaics

There are Greco-Roman remains on Finikia Hill up above the church and also on the little island Kargas opposite Almyrida beach

Tombs?

This doorway almost has a Minoan feel to it. An echo of the bull's horns!

There is a fence around the site - which needs repair - and although guide books say it is covered with a canopy that is certainly not the case!

Kera - A hidden gem

The little beach at Kera near Kalyves is a hidden gem

When you reach the little beach cafeteria to the right (as you face the sea) you will sea a tiny sandy beach and to the left just pebbles - a metre or so deep

Not really a place to spend you time you might think - other than a stroll

According to legend, when pirates threatened the inhabitants of the area, they prayed to the Panagia (there is a church on the site of an older monastery near the beach) And the pirate ship was turned to stone.

A  little beach combing perhaps 

But what is this?

The remains of walls and foundations?

Then you realise - The Romans were here.

Up at Aptera,The  Roman bridge at Vrysses,The fifth century mosaic floor at Almyrida just down the coast.

The hunt in the pebbles becomes more interesting 

Those stones in the shallows look far too regular to be natural. A courtyard?

Is that something?

Tiles? pottery?

What was here all that time ago?

The pirate ship?

Time to carry on down the road and see the mosaic and try to put the pieces together….

"All the world is dust and shadows" Ancient Lappa

Have you visited the beautiful springs at Argyroupolis? 

Have you ever thought about the long history of the village? In Minoan times - then known as Lappa it was an influential city. 

Today ancient lies side by side with modern

Tucked away in the mountains

Old houses built into the hillside

With a great view of the bay of Almyros ( Georgioupolis)

The history continues through the Romans - see where the door opened and closed!

A detail from the mosaic, believed to be the Roman bath

Scattered around the village are reminders of it's history

The entrance to a Venetian house with the words Omnia Mundi Fumus et Umbra "All the world is dust and shadows" There is a story to this - for another time…..

Architectural details in the ruins

And of course the freshwater springs

fish in tanks at the tavernas

Wouldn't like to meet this one on a dark night!

Agia Dynamis "Holy Strength"

And much much more!