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Gorge of the dead in Zakros

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Zakros gorge"Faraggi ton Nekron" (gorge of the dead) or the gorge of Zakros

There is a sacred relationship between the people of east Crete and the gorges since antiquity, when nature was worshiped and ancient Cretan deities were closely connected with its reproductive abilities.

The Gorge "ton nekron" ("Faraghi ton nekron", meaning, the gorge of the dead) in Zakros is a place that carries these ancient roots and bonds of humans with nature. A visit to the gorges of the region is at the same time a journey in ancient nature, in the civilization and history of Sitia. The natural landscape in this journey constantly changes. The landscape varies from green lands, rich in vegetation to dry, wild and naked areas. In spring, the green cliffs release the scents of pure Cretan nature.

The most famous and most visited gorge of eastern Crete. A wonderful route that starts southeast from the village "Ano Zakros", crosses the gorge and ends next to the Minoan palace in the gulf of "Kato Zakros". It is accessible year-round, spans 2,5 km in length and the altitude difference from the entrance to the exit is about 100 meters.

 

Read 16069 times Last modified on Saturday, 11 May 2013 13:42

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  • Comment Link John Trieser Monday, 13 May 2013 17:49 posted by John Trieser

    The canyon of the Dead in Kato Zakros is the final part of the European trail E4, that starts in Portugal and crosses Europe. It’s a canyon of great archeological value, easy to traverse – even for beginners -, that ends up in the archeological site of Kato Zakros and its wonderful beach.

    Its name is attributed to the ancient Minoan inhabitants of Kato Zakros’ custom of burying their dead in the caverns that lie on the vertical walls of the canyon, risking their own life in the process. In the dozens of caverns inside the canyon, apart from skeletons, other objects of archeological interest were found

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