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Αρχάνες Αστερούσια 701 00, Ελλάδα 
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Places near Church
Myrtia village belongs to the municipality of Archanes Asteroussia and located 15 km from Heraklion. It is the paternal village of Nikos Kazantzakis and is known for the museum dedicated to the great writer.
Agricultural is the main activity of villagers, mainly viticulture and olive growing. In fact the village is famous for its wine production.
Historically, the existence of the village dates back in centuries. Here settled the foreign soldiers of Nikiforos Fokas after the liberation of Crete by the Saracens in 961,obtaining the village the name Varvari. From the Venetian period until the Turkish census of 1671 the village is mentioned with the names Varvaro, Varvari, Varvarus, Varvaru.
The village of Kato Astrakoi was abandoned in the beginning of the year 1930. From there, follow the downhill path that leads to the gorge (10 min walking). On the side of the path you will see the ruins of a Basilica, dedicated to Saint George (Aghios Georgios).
It is a Byzantine Basilica with three sections. 100 meters further from the Basilica stands the church of Mary (Panaghia), featuring a unique symbol of the Byzantine two-headed eagle over its windows.
A bit further from the church of Aghios Georgios you will find a north intersection leading to an olive grove, where you will find a path with stone stairs that leads into the Astrakiano gorge, in the position of "Neraidospilo" cave or Astraki cave. Look for the signs. The path crosses the entire gorge of Karteros, where you will see beautiful churches, watermills and a rest house of the Byzantine period.
The museum of Nikos Kazantzakis is located in the central square of Myrtia village, the historic Varvarus village, which is writer's birth place. The museum was founded by George Anemogiannis in 1983.
The rescue and promotion of the writer's work was the purpose of creating this tribute in the memory of this great man of the spirit. The museum's exhibition is dedicated exclusively to the author's work and life, including photographs and personal items, manuscripts, letters, documents, Greek and foreign publications, theatrical material, rare audiovisual material, and works of art depicting the author.
With the building complex including an exhibition building, multipurpose room, conference room and several sections of education and action, the visitor can learn and see the well-known and unknown aspects of Nikos Kazantzakis.
Deep in the cave there is a water spring. The landscape around the cave is wonderful, with a small artificial lake, wild vegetation and a relaxing environment.
In the Astrakiano gorge, follow the path by the river of Karteros until you reach the bridge of Aitania. The path often crosses the closed pipe of the aqueduct. A wooden construction covers the closed pipe of the aqueduct, in order to protect it. Small lakes, watermills, small waterfalls and the sounds of nature (frogs, birds, wind blowing through the trees) will accompany your route.
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