Greece
FAIRY TALE MEETS DREAM-Every year, in the beginning of June, just before sunrise in the morning mist, around Frangokastello appear black-clad human-like shadows with swords and helmets, which head, on horse or on foot, close to the castle.
A fort built in 1371-1374 by the venetians to fight off pirates and local revolutions. It is connected to the most common “legend” in Greece, the “Drosoulites”, the beginning of which can be traced back to the 1828 battle between Turkish warriors and the army of Captain Chatzimichalis Dallianis.
So, every year, in the beginning of June, just before sunrise in the morning mist, around Frangocastello appear black-clad human-like shadows with sowrds and helmets, which head, on horse or on foot, to the deserted church of Agios Charalambos, close to the castle. The legend sais that when someone tries to approach them, they vanish into the sea.
Scientists say that the phenomenon can be explained by analysing the position of the Sun, the lack of wind and the humidity. This creates the “wet illusion of Drosoulites”. Others say that it is the phenomenon of upper mirage, and that the shadows belong to soldiers training on the shores of Libya.
Whatever the reason, this small franciscan castle almost on top of the sea, allows you to enjoy the amazing beach, Orthi Ammos (standing sand), whose name is… derived from reality. The dunes are so tall, that the beach resembles a sandy slide to the sea – just remarkable – !!!
The paleontological collection of the Municipality of Rethymnon, which consists of findings from excavations from all over the prefecture by German scientist Siegfired Kuss (University of Freiburg), will form the basis of the exhibition. The Goulandris foundation has been looking after this collection in collaboration with the University of Athens (Historical Geology and Palaeontology Faculty).
Plato’s Academy has been the meeting point of all the greek philosophical minds of the ancient times, and still maintains its glamor, attracting thousands of visitors.
Virtual tour: What was Candia (Heraklio) like in 1640? The video shows Candia from Rocca a mare, Rouga Maistra, Agios Titos, the square of Sitira and the fountain of Morosini, the Volton Gate, the temples and monasteries of St. Francis,
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