6/27/2011 Crete/Chania, sightseeing in town-covered market/Venetian harbor/knife street/Church of the Assumption, Holy Trinity Monastery, sunset

Breakfast same as yesterday.  Today the plan is to explore the town of Chania.  George's brother Costa arrives today.

Driving we pass by the statue of a kri-kri.  This wild goat is endemic to Crete.  Horns sweep back on the head.  Best place to see them is Samaria Gorge.

COVERED MARKET.  Built 1909-1913.  Space inside for lots of shops where you can buy food and local crafts/souvenirs.  I bought a round placemat embroidered with olives, some postcards, and other things for 14.60€.  I also bought a donut for tomorrow from the bakery shop.  

Postcard

One of the entrances to the covered market

Where I bought some things

Where I bought some things

I bought this embroidered item that is perfect for under a small lamp

  

Another entrance

KNIFE STREET.  Sifakas Street.  Handmade traditional Cretan knives.  I want to buy one.  Blade-steel.  Handle-animal horn or olive tree wood.  In the shop we stop at there are so many for all purposes.  Some have an inscribed Greek verse on the blade.  I buy a smaller one with olive wood handle for 28€.  I tried to translate the inscription.  This is what I got "I wanted to be an eagle to glorify the beauty of Crete from above".  That sounds about right.

Where I bought my knife 

Blade is all the way through

VENETIAN HARBOR.  Built in the 14th century for commercial purposes and for protection against pirate raids.  The area is filled with restaurants, cafes, tavernas serving local food.  Art shops.   Jewel of the harbor is the imposing lighthouse.  Across from the lighthouse Firkas Fort was built by the Venetians in order to protect the port entrance.

Postcard

Can take a horse and carriage ride

Lighthouse

Firkas Fort

Mosque of the Janissaries with hilltop quarter of Kastelli the oldest part of the city behind.  In this area the Minoan settlement of Kydonia is undergoing excavation

Postcard

CHURCH OF THE ASSUMPTION.  Catholic church.  Located on Chalidon.  Large square.  Old town.

HOLY TRINITY MONASTERY.  Greek Orthodox.  Situated in the Akrotiri peninsula.  Built in the 17th century by 2 brothers of the Venetian Zangaroli family on the site of a pre-existing church. The church is built in the Byzantine architectural cruciform style with 3 domes.  The main church is flanked by 2 smaller domed chapels one of which is dedicated to the Life-Giving Spring/Zoodochos Pigi and the other to Saint John the Theologian.  The main church is dedicated to the Holy Trinity.  The facade of the church has double columns of Ionian and Corinthian style and has an inscription in Greek which is dated to 1631.  The monastery produces its own olive oil and wine.   I think there's also a museum where you can view icons, church garments, etc.  I didn't know this when I visited because I would have wanted to buy some olive oil, wine, and visit the museum.

Driving back we spot some very old olive trees.  Some goats.  Then Richard and I get to meet George's brother Costa and his wife Despina (hoped I spelled that right) who are here for the christening of their friend's son and also to spend time with George.

George and his brother Costa

SUNSET.  A little better than last night.

Again not sure what was happening with dinner.  I remember one night George bought fish from the market.  Dimitra grilled that on the BBQ with just lemon and olive oil.  Don't know when this was but do know it was delicious!  Maybe last night, maybe tonight??