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Frangokastello in southern Crete |
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Frangokastello is one of Crete's most famous monuments. The fortress was built by Venetians between 1371-1374 for a garrison that would impose some order in the rebellious region of Sfakia, and as a protection against pirates. The castle has a rectangular shape with towers at each corners and the remains of a Venetian coat of arms above the main gate. The castle is smaller than it seems to be in pictures. No entrance fee. What I think is the best thing about Frangokastello is that it is close to one of my favorite villages in Crete: Chora Sfakion.
The castle of Frangokastello near Chora Sfakion in southern Crete.
Frangokastello has a rectangular shape with a defensive tower at each corner.
Inside the castle of Frangokastello. |
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Frangokastello is more interesting exterior than interior.
Many horrors have taken place in Frangokastello. For example in 1770 when the Cretan rebel leader Ioannis Daskalogiannis was captured by the Turkish military. He was tortured and skinned alive. It is said that he endured the torture without saying a single word. He was executed in Heraklion.
Statue of Ioannis Daskalogiannis in Anopoli.
Ioannis Daskalogiannis came from the village of Anopoli above Chora Sfakion.
Daskalogiannis real name was Ioannis Vlachos, but he was called Daskalogiannis because he was a qualified teacher. Daskalos means teacher in Greek. Daskalogiannis - who came from the village of Anapoli west of Chora Sfakion - is one of Crete's most important rebel leaders of all times. Many streets in Crete carries his name, as well as Chania's airport, and the ferry that runs between Chora Sfakion and Paleochora.
The car ferry Daskalogiannis in the port of Loutro. |
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On May 17 1828 something happened that still influences Frangokastello. At any rate if you believe in ghosts. Just that day, Frangokastello was occupied by hundreds of men from Sfakia. But the Turks did not like the act so they surrounded the fortress and massacred all the Cretans in the castle.
The drosoulites ghost beach below the Frangokastello castle.
Every year, on the anniversary of the massacre, it is said that shadows of armed Cretan soldiers march from the fortress to the sea. The soldiers are called drosoulites after the Greek word drosia, which means dew. They got the name because they always march out early in the morning. Many say that they have seen these dew-ghosts, but of course there is no evidence that they exist. :-)
Part of the beach in Frangokastello.
Frangokastello is not only a castle full of ghosts, it is also a small village that slowly but surely is developing into a tourist resort. There are hotels and pensions, some tavernas and about three sandy beaches. The most popular beach lies below the castle and this is the place where the ghosts come down to swim on May 17 every year.
Clarinet player between the beach and the castle in Frangokastello. |
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Once when we were here the guy in the picture above was playing classical music on his clarinet. I think it was something about Mozart. In any case, it was a magical moment listening to the beautiful music, and at the same time listening to the calm waves lapping against the shore.
It was magical to listen to the beautiful music and the calm waves.
The music was so good that I couldn't help but take a few dance steps.
ACCOMMODATION IN FRANGOKASTELLOI have not lived in Frangokastello because I enjoy it so much in the neighbouring village of Chora Sfakion. But if I were to stay overnight, I would have chosen Votsalo Studios & Apartment which is located between Frangokastello and Chora Sfakion. |
WHAT YOU MUST NOT MISS WHEN YOU ARE IN THE AREA |
