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The layers of history and the picturesque and fascinating ruins of Greece’s history have become part of the mythology and landscape of this spectacular country. Many Greek cities have pasts dating back into the mists of time. The Ionian islands were the setting for Homer’s Odysseus and it is Crete, of course, which possesses the jewels of the Minoan civilisation in evocative remains of palaces such as Knossos and Kato Zakros.
But history did not stop 2000 years ago and Greece has splendid later fortresses, lighthouses and cities built by the Venetians, Turks, French and British, while lesser-known treasure – statues, icons in remote monasteries, arsenals, palaces, and Byzantine churches, often in idyllic surroundings, appeal as much to romantics and artists as scholars.
Today the Greeks are shaped by their tumultuous past but one characteristic
that has endured is their renowned philoxenia – love of strangers.
Those with children will find themselves particularly welcome but
philoxenia shows itself in many ways, from the friendly service
in small hotels, to an enthusiastic reception in an out of the way
taverna, and in the locals’ wish that the visitor should get
the most out of their beautiful country.
Casa
Delfino is a 17th century Venetian mansion near the harbour
of Chania, Crete overlooking the narrow cobbled streets at the heart
of this most gracious of Crete’s cities.
The heritage of Greece with Simpson Travel
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