Description Crete, Greece

Crete - an extreme point of Greece and throughout Europe. Magnificent island for a holiday with a surprising past. Very few who have visited the island of Crete for the sun and sea, vozratyas home, can not remain indifferent to the beauty of this island: mountain ranges, with a breathtaking, sandy beach, running along the crystal clear blue sea, such as clean as the soul of people living here.

Crete - the largest island of Greece. Its central location at the crossroads of maritime routes between Europe, Egypt and Asia Minor has created favorable conditions for the appearance here in 3-2 thousand BC the ancient Minoan civilization, which initiated the development of Greek and European culture.

Crete - the cradle of Crete-Mycenaean culture, which existed in the early second millennium BC and spread its influence on mainland Greece. The sudden disappearance of the Minoan civilization around 1450 BC. e. remains a mystery to historians. The cause of death of civilization, the most common version was the volcanic eruption on the island of Santorini.

After the fall of the Minoan civilization, Crete experienced many achievements: the Achaeans, Dorians, Romans. By the end of Roman rule in the first half of the 1 st century AD to Crete comes to Christianity. According to legend, arrived here himself the apostle Paul, and his closest aide, Titus founded the Christian church in Crete. Then until the middle of H1V-century Crete was a member of the Byzantine empire - with a break of almost half a century (824-961 gg.), When the island was ruled by Arab conquerors.

In 1204 the island won the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, and he moved to the Venetians, at this time of growing trade and strengthen the port city of Chania and Rethymno. In 1645 the 60 thousandth Turkish army captures Hania, the longest - 21 years - resisted the fortress city of Heraklion. Crete became an island of Arab pirates and slavers. Only in the early twentieth century, the island gained independence, and in 1913 was annexed to Greece. The invaders and their culture can be traced in the development of the island and its architecture.

The warm sea, perfect climate, a network-equipped tourist centers, comfortable hotel complexes and all kinds
entertainment made Crete a popular European resort, where tourists come every year from all over the world. Administratively the island is divided into 4 areas with centers in the cities of Heraklion, Chania, Agios Nikolaos, Rethymno. The island has two international airports in the east in the city of Heraklion and west in the city of Chania. Regular and charter flights connect the island with many large airports in Greece and the world. From the ports of Crete - Chania, Rethymnon and Heraklion ferries go to the mainland and islands of the Aegean Sea.

Ctolitsa Crete Heraklion is one of the largest cities of Greece. Its history spans more than 2,5 thousand years. One of the most famous monuments of ancient civilization of Crete, Knossos Palace, located 5 km from the city.

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