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For the creation of all RAGiF’s (Routaki Audio Guide info Files) a lot of research has been done on all aspects of Crete. This resulted in at least 300,000 words of information divided over the different subjects. On this page you will find links to the pages where you can read the whole (or the basic) story for the information that is played to you in audio form when you drive or walk one of the Routaki routes.

relics in a church - what do they represent

Almost all modern churches in Greece are built with the Agia Sofia church in Istanbul as an example. This church is used as an example because the Ecumenical Patriarch still resides there. This patriarch is the head of the Greek Orthodox Church.

Read more about the churches in Crete.

There are different stories about the Greek flag; since the revolution of 1821, the Greek flag consists of a white equal cross within a blue square and 9 blue and white stripes.

Read more about the flags that are seen everywhere.

Because the ground in Crete is very hard, it is difficult to dig a grave into the ground. That is why the graves are in concrete sarcophagi above the ground. The coffin is placed in it and covered with a marble slab.

Read more about the cemeteries and the chapels.

Often you see, built against a mountainside, one of the many monasteries of the island of Crete. It is difficult to get there and therefore very quiet.

Read more about these monasteries.

Due to the high temperature, people are buried within 24 hours of their death. That is also the reason why people do not send condolence cards.

Read more about what happens at a funeral.

The A4 poster is used to announce that someone has died. An official memorial service is held forty days after the death. This is repeated after three, six and nine months and after one year.

Read more about the manner and traditions surrounding death.

The Monastery of Epanosiphis (Μονή Αγίου Γεωργίου Επανωσήφη) is one of the largest monasteries in Crete. It is a good example of a monastery that expanded during the Turkish occupation.

Read more about this monastery.

The Greek Orthodox Church (which separated from the Roman Catholic Church in 1054) was allowed to keep their land during the Turkish occupation. For many landowners reason to give their land to the bishop and monasteries.

Read more about what happened to the land.

The little chapels along the road

The small chapels along the road, called iconostasis, have a threefold meaning; either an accident happened with victims, or an accident happened with a happy ending, or it is a reference to a nearby church or monastery.

Read more about the iconostasi along the road.

The first frescoes date back to the Byzantine Empire, around the 4th century AD. It started as a visual bible for the illiterate who could understand the story of Christ in this way.

Read more about the frescoes.

The tradition of icons dates back to the beginning of our era, when the Greeks in Egypt covered the faces of the dead with a small wooden board with a painting of the deceased person. Later this continued with images of saints on wood and later on canvas.

Read more about the icons in the Greek Orthodox Church.

One week before Easter Sunday, the Orthodox Church commemorates the entrance of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. Palm leaf crosses are then distributed after the morning service.

Read more about the traditions of Palm Sunday.

Women who want to become pregnant place a relic with a baby in front of the Panagia, the Mother of God. To show gratitude, people also donate gold or silver jewelry that is placed in front of the icon.

Read more about the thank you plaques.

Regarding the Selinari Monastery, located between Malia and Neapoli and its small church, there is a legend that tells of a shepherd who found an icon.

Read more about Selinari Monastery.

The wedding ceremony begins with the engagement, even if the couple has participated in an engagement ceremony before. The priest blesses the rings by placing them on the bible on the altar.

Read more about Greek wedding traditions.

Agioi Deka owes its name to ten Cretan Christians, who were tortured to death for betraying the Romans. They refused to participate in the inauguration of the temple to the goddess Tyche.

Read more about Agioi Deka near Gortys.

The Monastery of Myriokefala

The Monastery of Myriokefala is very famous for its frescoes. It was built in the late 10th century AD.

Read more about the monastery in this mountain village.

Holy Week is a very special week in Crete. Every day of the week something happens, culminating in a family gathering on Easter Sunday. In most families the lamb is put on the spit and the family gathers around the lunch table.

Read all about Holy Week in Crete.

An available route where you’ll pass a beautiful church:
Route 42 nicknamed; Margarites

In the VoiceMap app you’ll find this route under the name:

Discover Authentic Crete: Heraklion to Margarites via Anogeia and Axos

Purchase in Routaki webshop
a beautiful Greek orthodox church in your rear mirror
Agios Titus church in Heraklion

Available Routaki routes:

the waterfalls of Argyroupoli - a natural treasure on its own.

The wells and waterfalls of Argyroupoli – have a look at in Routaki Route 32 – ‘Myriokefala’

a typical lay out of the inside of a Cretan kafeneon.

You have the chance to visit a typical Cretan kafeneon in route 38 – ‘Agia Galini’

what is happening on oxi day on the 28th of October

‘Oxi day’ on the 28th of October is e.g.mentioned in Mirtos in route 59 – ‘Kalamafka’.

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