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Cities of Antiquity
  • Jenn J
  • Jenn J

Cities of Antiquity

Italy -> Malta -> Cyprus -> Greece Read more
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  • Jenn JCities of AntiquityJenn J

    Valletta, Malta - Day 2

    December 10, 2023 in Malta ⋅ 🌬 63 °F

    Day 6 -
    67 F / 19 C
    Mostly sunny

    VALLETTA, MALTA
    With an area of just one-third of a square mile, green space is at a premium in Vailetta, which is why the city's gardens: are so treasured. Created in 1661 upon the St. Peter & Paul Bastion, the Upper Barrakka Gardens are perched at the highest point of the city walls. Knights of Italy once escaped the demands af court in this splendid and shady haven. Its terraces offer sweeping views of the Grand Harbor and medieval warrens belaw. The centerpiece is a pair of arched wa surrounding a tranquil stone courtyard. Among the garden's palm-lined lanes is a memarial ta Minston Churchill.Read more

  • Jenn JCities of AntiquityJenn J

    Sail the Ionian Sea

    December 11, 2023, Eastern Mediterranean ⋅ 🌬 64 °F

    Day 7 -
    64 F / 18 C
    Partly cloudy

    SAIL THE IONIAN SEA
    Gateway to the Adriatic, the lonian Sea could be viewed as a vast, fanning bay of the Mediterranean, marked by the sole of Italy's boot and the western coasts of Albania and Greece. Its seven major islands hug Greek shores. The sea was likely named for lo, the goddess who conquered its vast expanse. After being turned into a white heifer by her lover Zeus, she swam across the sea to Egypt, where he promised to return her to human form. Another legend says it was named for lonius, son of Adrias, who gave the sea to the north its name. One thing is certain: these azure waters kiss some of Europe's most beloved shores.Read more

  • Jenn JCities of AntiquityJenn J

    Heraklion (Crete), Greece

    December 12, 2023, Eastern Mediterranean ⋅ 🌙 66 °F

    Day 8 -
    71 F / 22 C
    Sunny

    HERAKLION (CRETE), GREECE
    Crete was home to the Minoans, Europe's earliest recorded civilization. Its capital, Heraklion, grew from the riches of t Venetian Empire, which ruled here for four centuries. Crete enjoyed a Renaissance building boom that helped bolster Heraklion as the region's most strongly fortified city. The island is blessed with generous beaches, soaring mountains, gorges and coursing rivers. It is also where the distinct mantinades-narrative couplets of love accompanied by Creta stringed instruments-could break out at any number of cafés as you sip Tsikoudia, a grape-based brandy distilled inRead more

  • Jenn JCities of AntiquityJenn J

    Good morning Crete!

    December 13, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ⛅ 57 °F

    Arriving in Crete this morning.
    We’re going to the Palace of Knossos, the seat of power for the Minoan civilization which ruled Crete from 2700 BC - 1420 BC. The palace is said to have over 150 rooms and cover over 22,000 sq meters.

    A few facts about Crete:
    It’s the largest of the Greek islands; 5th largest in the Mediterranean.
    #1 product is Olive Oil
    They have 38+ million Olive Trees
    The island contains 14 peaks, with the highest peak reaching 6,000 ft and gets snow.
    Crete originally consisted of 3 separate islands.
    Ruled by multiple civilizations including, Roman, Byzantine, Arabs, and Veniatins. They gained their independence in 1898 and joined Greece in 1913.    Read more

  • Jenn JCities of AntiquityJenn J

    Palace of Knossos

    December 13, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 57 °F

    Minoan Palace

    Origination of the myth of the Minotaur.
    With over 150 rooms, the Minoan palace is thought to be the labyrinth in the myth of the Minotaur.
    The Minoan civilization is named after the first king of Crete, King Minos.
    It’s Europe’s oldest advanced civilization.

    Original stone throne was discovered in the throne room and can be viewed.
    The bull was an important symbol in Minoan culture and the art of “bull jumping” key to religious ceremonies.    Read more

  • Jenn JCities of AntiquityJenn J

    Limassol, Cyprus - Day 1

    Dec 14–15, 2023, Eastern Mediterranean ⋅ ☁️ 68 °F

    Day 9 -
    65 F / 18 C
    Partly cloudy

    LIMASSOL, CYPRUS
    With its strategic location in the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus and its historic capital of Limassol boast a long history that encompasses Greco-Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, Venetian and British rule. Legend tells us that the magnificent Aegean landscape of Cyprus was the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. Famously, the island nation is home to spectacular medieval churches and monasteries whose humble facades belie richly wrought Byzantine frescoes and icons. With such an auspicious reputation and long history, it seems a high privilege to visit this breathtaking place. In the city's historic center, history stands in for mythology at the stalwart Limassol Castle, where Richard the Lionheart is said to have married on his way to the Crusades in the Holy Land.Read more

  • Jenn JCities of AntiquityJenn J

    Kolossi Castle

    December 15, 2023 in Cyprus ⋅ ☁️ 68 °F

    Named after a French nobleman. Town is named after him as well.

    King Richard I (the lionheart), stopped by on his way to the crusades and got married.

  • Jenn JCities of AntiquityJenn J

    Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates

    December 15, 2023 in Cyprus ⋅ ☁️ 68 °F

    Baths, dormitories, temple, wrestling.

    (From brochure)
    The Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates was one of the most important sanctuaries of ancient Cyprus, with a history going back as early as the Late Bronze Age (1650-1050 BC). It reached its zenith during the Roman period when large-scale building works were carried out, which architecturally overlayed all previous phases. During the Roman period, it was considered to be one of the three most important sanctuaries of Cyprus.
    Like all the sanctuaries of Apollo, it was located outside the residential area, to the west of the ancient city of Kourion, Its ruins are located today on the north side of the main Lemesos (Limassol) - Pafos highway, at a short distance from the ancient city.

    The sanctuary was destroyed by a powerful earthquake in the 4th century AD (around AD 370).

    For more info: www.mcw.gov.cy/da    Read more

  • Jenn JCities of AntiquityJenn J

    A few of the cats of Cyprus

    December 15, 2023 in Cyprus ⋅ ☁️ 68 °F

    We were warned the island is full of cats. I only saw a handful. The residents feed the local population.

    If u wonder how there’s so many cats on the island, it’s from St. Helena, mother to Emperor Constantine, who ordered 2 ships full of cats to the island after visiting to deal with the numerous snakes on the island.Read more

  • Jenn JCities of AntiquityJenn J

    Rhodes, Greece

    December 16, 2023, Eastern Mediterranean ⋅ 🌙 66 °F

    Day 12 -
    63 F / 17 C
    Mostly sunny

    RHODES, GREECE
    The lush, fertile island of Rhodes is home to the Palace of the Grand Masters, a remarkable and sprawling fortification. historic quarter is Europe's largest active medieval town. Outside the city, forests of pine and cypress blanket mountai slopes and hug rocky shores; vineyards and groves of citrus and olive soak up the Aegean sun. The Knights of Saint Joh Jerusalem conquered the island in the 14th century, bringing great wealth from the Holy Land. Under their rule, the cit was reconstructed to mirror the medieval ideal. Many of the buildings from this era remain and make for rewarding strolls.

    A few facts about the Colossus of Rhodes:

    One of the Ancient Wonders of the World
    Statue of sun god Helios
    108 ft / 33m / 70 cubits (about size of Statue of Liberty)
    Collapsed in earthquake 226 BC
    Erected to honor victory over Cyprus    Read more

  • Jenn JCities of AntiquityJenn J

    Acropolis of Linos

    December 17, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 66 °F

    Acropolis means highest point in town, so each town has its own Acropolis.

    People from Linos founded the city of Naples. They named it Napoli which means “new city”.

  • Jenn JCities of AntiquityJenn J

    Santorini, Greece

    December 17, 2023, Aegean Sea ⋅ 🌙 63 °F

    Day 12 -
    52 F / 11 C
    Sunny & Windy

    SANTORINI (THÍRA), GREECE
    Gleaming villages perched on black rock make Santorini one of the most visually arresting islands in the Aegean. Its whitewashed capital of Thira perches on a cliff 1,300 feet above the sea; enjoy spectacular views of this magnificent city on a hill from our anchorage in turquoise waters. Dating to the early Bronze Age, Thira's winding streets are a delight to explore and its charming cafés invite lingering respites in the Cyclades sun. Not to be upstaged, the island and its surrounding islets also offer opportunities to experience fully the natural volcanic splendor, from thermal spring soaks to caldera hikes. And despite the harsh volcanic soil, Santorini's viticulture is rich and thriving and boasts a 5,000-year history.

    A few facts about Santorini:
    Made up of 5 islands.
    Known as the “postcard” island.
    Wine made on Santorini is highly coveted.

    Nautical Term of the Day: Pooped
    The poop is the stern section of a ship. To be “pooped” is to be swamped by a high, following sea.    Read more

  • Jenn JCities of AntiquityJenn J

    Village of Oia, Santorini

    December 18, 2023 in Greece ⋅ 🌬 59 °F

    Pronounced “E-ah”

     Picturesque village that’s the backdrop for numerous travel images and postcards.
    The village consists of narrow streets winding through buildings built into the cliff side.

    Better pics to follow. :-)    Read more

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