Psiloritis Geotopes

The geological structure of Crete is characterized by the existence of rocks formed before, during and after the Alpine orogenesis. Most of these are the remains of the sediments which fell into the Tethys Ocean, an ancient sea that is now limited to the Mediterranean. The sediments are rich in calcium carbonate and for that reason the rocks of Crete are about 60 – 70% carbonate in their composition, constituting limestone, dolomites and marbles. The spine of Crete is built from rocks called ‘Plattenkalk’ or Platy Marbles and these can be seen while walking our route up Mount Psiloritis. The nappes, layers of rocks, are twisted and sit like teeth one on top of the other.

Psiloritis Biodiversity

Crete rose up through the sea some millions of years ago when tremendous forces within the Earth were unleashed as the African continent dived underneath the European plate. Different types of Mediterranean rocks mixed together to create a unique environment within which life adapted and evolved. The combination of hundreds of plants and animals which live exclusively in the Psiloritis mountains has produced a region characterized by its great biodiversity. Because of its unique natural history a part of the area participates in the Nature 2000 Network. On our walk you can see for example, depending on the season, Crocus sieberi, Scilla nana and Colchicum cretense, all endemic species to Crete. Also, on the walk you can see Griffon Vultures circling overhead, flocks of Ravens and Mountain Choughs, and if you are very lucky the extremely rare Lammergeyer which is one of the biggest and most spectacular raptors in Europe.

Culture

The mountain has kept its sacred character even in modern times. A belt of monasteries, chapels and frescoed temples stretches along each side of it. History, mythology, traditions and legends constitute the source from which the inhabitants draw their pride, their courage and their boldness, thus creating a very strong attachment to their homeland. This popular culture finds expression in multiform dance, in song, in Cretan couplets, in songs originating from people living at the foot of the mountain, in every- day- life, birth, baptism, marriage, death, in local architecture and art, in humour, in self- sarcasm and in myth- making. The visitor will find examples of this idiosyncratic culture in the villages that we pass through such as Livadia, Zoniana and Anogeia. Visitors in springtime may consider themselves particularly lucky when they have the opportunity to witness the stockbreeders in the Psiloritis area making one of their chores a public fair- the sheep shearing. Starting at the end of May and lasting for about one month feasts take place continuously at the ‘mitata’, traditional shepherd’s houses. The method of construction is similar to the one used for ancient Minoan tombs, where large stones from the surrounding area were also used.