Friday, February 27, 2009

Chalkis port on the Euripus strait


Chalkis ( Halkis) the main town of the greek island of Evia (Euboea), is situated on the Euripus strait.
The town is connected to the mainland Greece by "the sliding bridge" at the narrowest point of Euripus strait.

Euripus ( or Evripous) strait , about 8 km long, is famous for its special current tide phenomenon which is not fully understood yet. It has strong currents that change directions every seven (or more) hours a day. Ships are allowed to pass when the tide is slack.




Chalkis capital of Evia (Euboea) island
Connected by a bridge to greek mainland
Carrying trafic across Euripos strait
Where a unique sea tide takes place


Saturday, February 21, 2009

Amazing Epidaurus, silent Bourtzi


Epidavros, the ancient, greek circular theater with its fine acoustics , aesthetics ,and stone seats, is still in use today. Many plays, concerts, and festivals are held here. Despite the strong sunrays and climbing through the site (almost like in Mycenae) , it was a very rewarding visit.




Epidaurus, the vast amphitheater
Well preserved and much popular
Good acoustics, stage and seats
Enable art performances by Greeks.



Naplio- Bourtzi Castle (fortress)

In the background, the Bourtzi tiny island
On it , a castle-fortress, tall and silent
Built by the Turks to control
Access to harbour of Naplio

(Naplio - the greek capital before it was moved to Athens).

Saturday, February 14, 2009

The citadel of Mycenae


Archaeological / historical sites require that the visitor be well equipped: a hat to protect from the hot sunrays, strong shoes to help with the climbing of hills and the wandering among ruins, a bottle of water etc.. Well, I usually defied the rules. I liked to feel feminine, light as a feather, free of any attached accessories. Surprisingly, the tours in Greece and in some other countries were quite successful and no harm was done to me. I enjoyed every moment and overcame any challenge with no special effort.


Mycenae was one of those challenging places: no shade, steep climb, ruins etc...

The culture of Mycenae ( site located on the plain of Argolis) is the source of famous ancient epics and legends such as the Troyan War, and the tragic death of Agammemnon (murdered by his wife & her lover upon return from the Troyan War ). Mycenae is famous for the tombs of royal families. One enters the site through The Lion Gate (at the top of the gate-carved in stone, are two lions standing at a column and facing each other). Once passed the gate , one stands before shaft and circle graves. Nearby - a vaulted tomb (the tomb of Agamemnon).


Ruins at Mycenae

Ancient site on a rocky hill

The Lion Gate to it stands still
Here tombs and houses were uncovered
Grave shafts and treasures discovered.

Many come to this mystical place

To see the circle A and circle B graves
And the vaulted Agamemnon Tomb
Also, the Treasury of Artreus called


Circling the graves


The entrance to the dark Agamemnon Tomb