...The UNESCO Global geopark of Psiloritis invites the visitor to enjoy its gifts, through sounds and images...
VISIT THE UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK OF PSILORITIS
The heart of the entire Crete beats in the roots of the ancient mountain of Idis, Psiloritis. This mountain is different from the other mountains of Crete. It is narrowide with a few peaks with the highest of all reaching the 2.456 m. Snow covers the main mountain chain almost the whole year through. Between them spread coombs, gorges and table-lands.
The northern and western part of the mountain is full of large settlements, cultivations and many feeding grounds. The southern and eastern side of the mountain seems wilder because vertical cliffs start from the mountain tops and reach the down country of Heraklio and Mesara or end up in the valley of Amari. Gorges that are the exits of water start from all the sides of the mountain as the water flows violently towards the sea as well as paths that cross the mountain.
Shepherds’ shelters (mitato) are unique constructions in the wild landscape that interchange between rocky areas with kermes oak forests and humble endemic plants and herbs. They are small, round, stone-built houses made of limestones in order to accommodate the stock breeders for dairy production. They spread around the Psiloritis areas. The rich nature of Psiloritis is ideal for stock-breeding activities in the mountainous areas while in the low lands there are cultivations of olive trees for olive oil, vineyards for wine, dry goods and fruits.
But, people are those who compose the character of Psiloritis. The Cretan muse is expressed through the sound of lyre and singing, the products of modern Cretan music that keep tradition alive and evolving despite all the hard times. The Cretan poems (madinades), couplets in fiftineer rhythm are still a unique code of communication between people in order to express love, joy and satire in everyday life.
The physiognomy of Psiloritis is surely characterized by dance that still has a special place in the life of the Cretan since it expresses the relationship with the land, nature, love and death.
Psiloritis invites the visitor to enjoy its gifts, know its secrets through sounds and images and life experience. The warmth of the place accepts the visitor and offers many beautiful times. This is where the heart of Crete beats… Psiloritis is the land that inspires the creation and search of values. Psiloritis invites you for a visit to live an experience that is ... as high as your dreams.
