The Cave of St John the Hermit

We got a real sense of the ancient and recent history of Crete today.

Only three miles from here in the hills we visited a cave that exceeded expectations since we only discovered it online. A peaceful place where St John the hermit/stranger (who lived in more than one cave) lived for a while establishing a church inside. Lots of ‘rooms’ to explore, religious paraphernalia, no coach tours, and amazing views across the countryside.

Then, we visited the also nearby German war cemetery which had very moving information and photos in a visitors centre beautifully presented. The area played a pivotal role in in the Second World War, where thousands were killed, many German soldiers (many only 18) being dropped by parachute into the area and were shot down by by allied defences.

As a mother of three boys, perhaps I feel this waste particularly keenly.

There is much more to Crete than sun, sea and sand.