[citation needed], After the leper colony was dissolved, Spinalonga sank into oblivion; interest in it was revived by the work of people like Maurice Born.

Many residents had their own homes and there were shops, a school, a market, churches, a cinema, and aKafenio (cafe). and Werner Herzog's experimental short film Last Words.

Large parts of the village on the island have also remained authentic.

Archaeological guide, mps, cards and other souvenirs.

There are annual days of the year when the entrance to the island is free. There are also tours that pick you up from different places in Crete such as: Prices and departure times may vary depending on the tour operator and the type of tour you choose. Criterion (ii): It demonstrates human values over a long period of time, as regards developments in urban planning, the fortification of the islet and the use of space.

Holidays 1 January: closed 6 January: open by arrangement Shrove Monday: open by arrangement 25 March: closed According to the data for 2009, Spinalonga has 1200-1500 visitors daily during the summer months and is the most popular archaeological site in Crete after Knossos.

Trips from Heraklion to Spinalonga include stopping in other nearby towns, and if youre not keen on walking in the heat, visit in late April or October. [9][10], L'Ordre, released in 1973, is a documentary by Jean-Daniel Pollet that focuses on the abandoned leper colony, and in particular of the colony's articulate and compelling leader, Raimondakis. [3] Many Christians found refuge in these fortresses to escape persecution from the Ottoman Turks. The temples of St. Panteleimon and St. George were built during that period. But its history dates way further back than the 90s, and, originally, a medieval fort was constructed here during the Venetian times to protect neighboring towns.



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Its original name was Calydon, but the Venetians named it Spinalonga from the Venetian word Spina-Longa, which means long thorn. When is the best time to visit Spinalonga?

Public buses only run from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos. There are also boats from the little village of Plaka just north of Elounda. However, it seems JavaScript is either disabled or not supported by your browser. The lepers resided in the Turkish community houses and in modern buildings constructed in the 30s.

Discover its long history from your guide on this fascinating day trip from the Heraklion area.

Until 1936, the patients on the island were totally neglected. Spinalonga is a small island near Elounda in East Crete.

The best Cretan beaches.

From Elounda boats usually depart every 30 minutes with a journey time of 20 minutes whilst from Plaka the journey time is just under 10 minutes Perfect for those who dont have their sea legs! Large parts of the Venetian walls were destroyed in 1939, with dynamite, in order to open up the perimeter road that currently exists on the islet. Entrance Fee: Adults 8.00, concession 4.00 How to get to Spinalonga

Rome2rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from relevant transport operators, ensuring you can make an informed Boats depart from Agios Nikolaos in the morning.

If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.



The village houses were arranged in a stepped pattern across the west and south sides of the islet. WebFrom 1715 onwards, Spinalonga was settled by Muslims, who built their houses on the foundations of the Venetian buildings.

Unguided trips from Heraklion to Spinalonga are 44 per person and include transfers only. Ask a Question.

The island is a fascinating monumental and historical palimpsest. Spinalonga from Agios Nikolaos.

A cistern from the Venetian areas, an some more recent ones.

Another, version tells that the island got its name from a beautiful woman named Longa that was living in the fort.

From Agios Nikolaos bus station, transfer to a bus that goes to Plaka.

In 1579, the Provveditore generale di Candia, Luca Michiel, put the foundation stone of the fortifications, built over the ruins of an acropolis.

In 1897, French military forces were installed on the island for about one year. WebSpinalonga 3.4 4.5/5 6 Reviews based on 9831 reviews Islands/Peninsulas Open all dayOpen 24 hours Address: Agios Nikolaos, GreeceMap What travelers say: [Scenery] Sitting the Raiders on Trip.com is difficult to choose between Nisseros and Spinnalunga Island.

Lunch at a local taverna is included in the Spinalonga excursion. In 1903, the Cretan State gathered all lepers who lived in settlements near the major cities of Crete, called Meskinia, and moved them to Spinalonga.

[citation needed] The island has also been used as a leper colony.