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Published: June 18th 2016
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Thursday 16
thJune: we decided on a short journey after the previous day’s stressful driving in Chania, so we headed to Kissamos just 30 minutes west of Agia Marina along the good quality National Road E65, then up in the hills behind the town aiming for the ancient site of Polyrinnia. As usual the satnav didn’t recognise Polyrinnia (in several different spellings) so we relied on finding a road in Kissamos that was signposted to somewhere that resembled Polyrinnia; which did. However, while road signs at road junctions to minor roads will show several villages which are in the same general direction, once one has taken the minor road and come to another junction only the next village along the road will be sign posted. So we basically followed our noses through a few villages unable to be sure that we were on the correct route. Just when we’d decided to turn round at the next village it turned out that the next village was Polyrinnia. Even better, when we drove up the road/track to the archaeological site there was a taverna, so we were able to have a refreshing drink before walking into the site. The site was divided in two
with virtually nothing to see lower down but an impressive acropolis further up; which according to the map of the site had the more interesting ruins. The path up the acropolis wasn’t marked but by following the most obvious of several tracks we made it to the top. The reward was amazing views in all directions: Kissamos on the coast below, just over 2 miles away (4 miles by road), all the way east to the island of Agi Theodoro opposite Agia Marina, south to the Topolia Gorge (see Blog 3) and west to the mountains which separate the north of the island from the west coast. All very spectacular and worth the climb. Then back down to the taverna for a late lunch. On the way down we met an old local man who was tending the goats pastured there and in response to his questions we confirmed that we were Inglissi. To which he responded: “Inglissi – boom, boom - good. Germanica – boom, boom - bad”. Which we took to mean that he approved of our compatriots during the War but not the Germans. Although he would have been quite a young boy if he’d had any
Polyrennia Acropolis summit
A hot, slow, careful climb to the summit but worth it for the stunning 360 degree views. The Romans certainly knew how to pick a prime location direct experience of the War. Anyway, we represented the good guys to him. And he then asked for a Euro but unfortunately the only small change that we’d had was put the collection box at the tiny chapel near the summit of the acropolis, but he didn’t mind. Back at the taverna we had an excellent lunch of stuffed peppers and tomatoes then headed back downhill to Kissamos and the E65 back to Agia Marina. No need for dinner after the sumptuous late lunch.
Reminder: If you havn't already noticed the panorama photos at the top of the blog are presented as a slidehow and the picture will automatically change every 6-8 seconds. Also, there are lots more photos below and if you double click on any of them you will get an enlarged image and you can scroll all the photos in the photo gallery
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