Grand Master Palace

Grand Master Palace on the Rhodes originates from the 14 century. It was the times when the knights of Order of Hospitallers withdrew from the Cyprus and made the Rhodes their main residence.

Initially at the place of the Grand Master Palace was located ancient temple and after Byzantine fortress has been built. Since it was strategic point which allows control the entrance to the Rhodes port Hospitallers decided to fortify the fortress and converted it into the residence of their leader.

It’s worth mentioning that we can treat the Order of Hospitallers as independent state. Of course, Order did not have any borders but Order conducted their own policy, declared a war and peace, traded with another states. So, how we can call it? Of course it’s an independent state.

In the times of Hospitallers Grand Master Palace was enlarged. In additional to the palace were built a lot of different buildings, for example, hospital and churches. Knights stayed at Rhodes about 200 years up to the 1523. They successfully gone through the vigorous attacks from the Turkey but at last they surrender to the Suleiman the Great and left Rhodes.

Turks also used the Palace but in 1856 it was partly destroys as result of the gunpowder explosion.

At the beginning of 20 century Turks were ousted from island by the Italians. The Palace has been refurbished and used as a Royal Summer Residence. They saved the exterior of the Palace but interiors were made in more pompous style. It was done because the Palace was used as the meeting place with foreign ministers and envoys.

Rhodes was joined to the Greece at 1948 and then Grand Master Palace was converted into the museums. In additional to the many medieval artifacts you can see a lot of ancient things. For example, great roman mosaics which were transformed to Rhodes from the neighbor islands.

Preveli beach

One of the most beautiful places on Crete, Preveli Beach, is located on the south coast of the island, not far away from the city of Rethymnon. This place is famous for its natural palm forest which unfortunately suffered in 2010 during the fire.

Luckily the wind then was not strong and forest was destroyed partly, so I hope the forest will recover quickly.

When I visited the place, it had fantastic view. I had perception that I was transferred from the Europe to some distant place in Africa or South America. Just imagine the palms and lush bushes beneath of them.

Add to this picture the canyon with river and mountains which surround this all. And you will feel a smell of the little adventure. You can start explore the Preveli forest on your feet by walking upstream or you can rent catamaran and try your force against current. It’s all up to you. Enjoy your time at Preveli Beach.

The beach became very popular in 1970-years among the hippy who established here every summer their camps. After them this place was investigated by tourists who ousted the hippy and occupied the Preveli Beach. And this “occupation” is lasting yet.

Since the beach is opened from the south it suffers from the strong winds. I remember that the day when I visited Preveli it was very windy on the south coast of the Crete and calm weather on the north.

When wind blows it could be a little cold on the beach. So, the Preveli it’s not so good for tanning and swimming. For these activities is better to choose the beach on the north shore of Crete.

But in any case you will not be disappointed by the Preveli. It’s the place of the wild nature. Even sunbeds were moved away for the reason to preserve the view of the beach.

There is no direct road to the beach. One way to reach it – it’s to leave your car near the Preveli monastery and then down to the beach. I recommend using this way because of the magnificent views of the shore.

And also be prepared for the visit. Bring your own water and don’t forget to take the sun umbrella.

Piazza Bra Verona

Piazza Bra in Verona is historical center of the city. It’s very lovely place which is surrounded by middle age’s buildings with the beautifully facades. In the center of Piazza Bra you can find column with Venetian lion. This column was set here in times when Verona was under the Venetians rules.  
There are a lot of cafes and restaurants here. Many of them propose tables on the open space which can be appreciated by visitors in the summer time.
In the Middle Ages the Piazza Bra was the center of public life of the city. People came here to hear last news, to make business deals, to conduct negotiations, and just to expose herself. Also the Piazza Bra in Verona was the place of public executions.
Some citizens of Verona claim that Piazza Bra is the biggest square in Italy. But you can hear the same thing almost in every big Italian city. For example, citizens of Tries claim that the biggest square in Italy located in their city.
You can find few interesting monuments neat the Piazza Bra. Among them don’t miss the Verona amphitheatre – the symbol of the city. 

Arta Mallorca

Arta is the small town which is located on the north of Mallorca. Arta is not the coastal city. But may be it’s not so bad because while you are visiting the Arta you will see real Mallorca’s town. Not tourist spot with typical hotels but authentic Mallorca's architecture. 
Main attraction of Arta is the fortified church which dominates the city. On the top of the church you can enjoy by nice sight of city’s vicinities.  When I visited Arta the church was closed so I can’t describe the interior of the church. But may be you will be more lucky in that subject. 

Almudaina palace

Royal Palace La Almudaina (this is the official name of the palace) located not far away from embankment of the Pallma de Mallorca in front of city’s Cathedral. It’s still serves as a official royal residence but palace is open for visitors.

Almudaina has a long history. The palace originates from the time when island was under the Phoenicians rule. In the 123 BC Mallorca was conquered by Romans who appreciated castle’s location and started build the city around it.

In the middle of the 10 century, Saracens, who possessed Mallorca, built their own castle over the Roman ruins. (Btw, Almudaina – is a Arabian meaning of the word “citadel” )

When Mallorca was conquered by the Aragon’s dynasty Almudaina has been rebuilt again in the Gothic manner. Some Per Salve was assigned by the king Jaime to lead construction.

This reconstruction lasted more than 50 years and was finished in 1343. Arabic style of the Almudaina was transformed into Gothic. Jagged walls were added to the palace as well as the four towers and portico before the entrance.

Of course, since Almudaina became a Royal residence throne room has been added to the complex. And in 1310 Royal Chapel has been built inside the castle.

Today Almudaina looks like in the middle of the 14 century. Palace (or more precise word Castle) is encircled by the tall walls with few towers. One of them has the name – “The towers of heads” since in the Middle Ages there were exhibited the chopped heads of the crimes. Gloomy place – isn't it?? Almudaina consists from the few buildings – royal palace, queen’s palace and the throne room.

Interiors of the Palace

Visitors of the palace could see the old pictures, furniture, carpets and military items. Some of the rooms are embellished by the old frescoes of the 14 century. I think that for sightseers the most interesting rooms - are throne room and Chapel of the St. Anna which is decorated in roman and gothic styles. Near with the throne room you can visit the royal garden and ruins of Arab baths.

Formentor beach

One of the most famous views of Mallorca - is the a view of cape Formentor. It’s really fascinating view. But today I want to show you picture of Formentor beach which is also very popular among the tourists.

Formentor beach is good place for staying after cape visiting. It can boost by its clear water and charming views on surroundings.  Also beach is located near pine forest and you can enjoy by nice walk after the beach

It can be hard to find parking place near the beach. So it would be better to leave your car at some distance from beach.  Formentor beach is the free place but if you want to use plank bed it would cost about 12 euro from you in high season.

Playa de muro beach

If you plan visit Mallorca don’t miss Playa de Muro Beach which located on the northern shore of the island. As for me, this beach is one of the greatest in the Europe.

The beach is named after the small city of Muro but to reach the beach it would be better to follow the way to the Alcudia. Muro is to small town and I’m not sure that you can find it on your map.

Once you reach the Alcudia you need to turn to the Kapdepera city and from your left hand you will find the beach. Thereafter enjoy your time at the Playa de Muro Beach!!!

Elafonisi beach

Elafonisi beach is one of the most beautiful places on the Crete.  The beach is located near the south-west tip of the Crete. Near a beach there are the groups of islands where you can reach on foot in the summer time when a water level falls.

Shallow and warm water makes Elafonisi beach so popular among tourists.  But you would not find any hotel near the Elafonosi because it’s distant place which is located far from the main resorts of crete.  Nevertheless the Elafonisi beach is good place for visit.

Let me give you small advice considering Elafonisi visit. It will be very nice if you prepare enough food and drinks because I didn’t find any restaurant near the beach.

How can I get to the Elafonisi beach?

From Iraklion (the capital of the Crete) you can get to the Elafonisi by E75 road, which becomes E65 at the western part of the road. Near Kastellion village you can turn left inland and continue your move forward.

If you miss the turn, please, don’t worry in this case you will move along the south shore of Crete. It will take a little more time but at the end you will reach Elafonisi.

Be cautious because both ways are mountain roads and don't digress often to the spectacular views of the Crete.

During the summer season there is bus connection between Elafonisi and Chania (big city at the west part of the Crete). Also you can just buy excursion near your hotel to the Elafonisi. It may be the simplest way to reach the beach but be ready that tour bus could be overcrowded.

Arkadi Monastery

Arkadi Monastery located 25 kilometers to the southeast of Rethymnon and 7 kilometers to the coast. It’s most famous monastery in Crete. Its popularity originates from 1866 when the group of Greek rebels fighted here for the Crete independence.

The precise date of the Arkadi foundation is unknown. There are a few versions of how it happened. The first version states that monastery was founded by the Byzantine imperator Arkadi who visited the place in the 5 BC. For me it seems unbelievable. It’s very hard to imagine why emperor visited such distant place.

According to another version the monastery was built by the monk Arkadi. It’s more probable because in 5 BC was widespread movement of the monasteries foundation in the remote places located far away from civilization.

The oldest inscription (devoted to the St. Konstanite) which was discovered in the monastery originates from 14 century. According to this fact, was inferred that the current church in the Arkadi was built in the 14 century.

Most promeninet period in the monastery history was in the 16 century. It was the time of common cultural flourishing on island. After the Constantinople fell in the end of 15 century and became the capital of Ottoman Empire most of the artists, poets, writers from the Constantinople relocated to the Crete. It caused magnificent cultural development on the island.

In those times Arkadi was reconstructed. The new baroque church was built, was organized library and the school. Arkadi became famous not only in the Crete but over the all Europe.

In the middle of the 17 century the Turkish danger of the Crete invasion approached to the Crete. Rethymnon fell in the 1645 and after this the life in the monastery was stopped. But not all monks left the Arkadi. Some of them stayed and asked from the Turkish rulers the right to conduct their services.

With the time Arkadi became not only the cultural center but also one of centers of the Greece independence movement. Here our story reached the most glorious pages in the Arkadi history.

In the 1866, Greece rebels were surrounded in the Arkadi by the big Turkish detachment. Turks had 15 000 well armed man with the artillery. They proposed to surrender but Greeks refused to do it.

It was an unequal fight. Then Turks destroyed the walls and passed inside the monastery they are started the massacre without mercy. The last defenders of Arkadi retreated to the military depot and detonated the gunpowder.

They are preferred to die but not to surrender. They are did like 300 Spartans did thousands years ago.

Thereafter the Arkadi became one of the symbols of the fight for Greece’s independence.