The Museum of Cretan Herbs is housed in an OAC building.

The original wealth held by the museum includes about 6,000 herbs from the Collection of Cretan Herbs, which was presented to the OAC in 2003 by the French professor of botany Jacques Zaffran.

The Museum of Cretan Herbs of the OAC includes an exhibition space, a workshop and rooms for hosting researchers. Naturally, the other facilities of the OAC also serve the needs of the Museum.

For information regarding visits and the programmes run by this Museum, please call the following numbers: +30 28240 22500/ 22245, or visit: oac@otenet.gr.

Photo by Ian Yates on Unsplash

In the charming and picturesque village of Meskla in the Municipality of Platanias, one can encounter the impressive Church of the Conception of the Virgin Mary.

The church was constructed on the site of an older church, and the ancient mosaics have been carefully preserved. Situated in front of a more recent church, it serves as a testament to the continuity of religious significance in the area.

Info: Wikipedia

Kolymbari is an area with a strong religious tradition.

Visitors can only marvel at the Gonia Monastery, which traces its origins back to the mid-9^th century AD.

The monastery has endured numerous raids by barbarian conquerors, who repeatedly set it ablaze.

According to the Municipality of Platanias, it served as a hub not only for religious activities but also for national liberation struggles. The monastery is brimming with cultural and religious treasures.

It celebrates it’s feast day in grandeur on the eve and day of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, observed on 15^th August.

Photo: By Ian Yates Via Unsplash

In the Prodromos district, nestled in the charming village of Deliana within the Municipality of Platanias, lies the Church of Agios Ioannis Prodromos (St John the Forerunner).

The visitor, whether devout or not, is captivated by the opulent late Gothic sculptural embellishments.

The church is constructed upon the foundations of an older and identical church.

The single-aisled, vaulted church, subject to alterations as early as the 15^th century, initially featured a built-in iconostasis and a small throne in the sanctuary apse. The mural decoration, dating back to the second half of the 13^th century and likely attributed to Michael Veneris, is particularly noteworthy. It encompasses an extensive depiction of the Second Coming, and the vibrant colour palette enhances the monument's special significance.

Source: Wikipedia

In 1901, during the era of the Cretan State, the Tavronitis metal bridge was built, marking the inception of the three bridges in the region.

The bridges were constructed over an almost century-long period.

The bridge earned its designation as a relatively recent historical monument due to its pivotal role in the Battle of Crete, situated on the outskirts of the Maleme Airport, and its significance during the subsequent German occupation. Part of the bridge suffered damage from bombing and underwent a rudimentary restoration by the Germans. Subsequently, in 1997-8, a section of the bridge collapsed again due to natural wear and erosion caused by the rapids. In 2000, the Municipality of Voukolies at that time undertook a comprehensive restoration of the entire bridge, returning it to its original form. Today, it serves as a pathway for pedestrians and cyclists.

Source: Wikipedia