In Lissos Valley

"Down under the ancient temple of Asclepius, water springs just off around it and the nearby chapel for the Annunciation of Virgin Mary. It runs all year in a small stone cistern, said Mr. George and asked us with emphasis: Was it not worth the way on foot? If one chooses the easy way to go to the ancient Lissos renting the boat of “Captain George” or drive a 4x4 truck from the Palaiochora agricultural streets, I think the place itself would not reveal its secrets. But if you walk up and down the small gorge until Lissos and let all toxins of everyday life and your memories from inside the colored concrete boxes, you will see nature with new eyes. If visitors respect the sanctity of the place, then space and time in a way show respect to those who choose the tough road and remain open for discovery by those who choose it." 

We walked up to the Byzantine church of Panagia, previously the sanctuary of Artemis - Diktynna. On the inner wall, stands an old mural depicting St. George as horse rider, killing the dragon, as Perseus did to save Andromeda. The sanctuary has been built with ancient marble capitals and is decorated with icons of Christ, Saint Nectarios, the Virgin Mary with baby Jesus and All Saints Ceremony, it also has two pictures with the Santa Ioulitta and her little son, Saint Kirikos, martyrs persecuted by Diocletian's army, in Cappadocia . 

We left our things further along, near the guard's booth just beside the water fountain, on some wooden benches that serve the little festival which takes place at the valley in mid-August and then we started walking in the ancient Panacean town pathways of Lissos.

Sleeping in Lissos