Kourtaliotiko Gorge

Asomatos Gorge


Useful Information

Location: South of Koxaré, Rethymno Prefecture.
Open: no restrictions.
[2008]
Fee: free.
[2008]
Classification: GorgeGorge
Light: n/a
Dimension:
Guided tours:
Photography:
Accessibility:
Bibliography:
Address: Kourtaliotiko Gorge.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then.
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History


Description

Kourtaliotiko Gorge is the gorge of the Kourtaliotiko river, flowing southwards. The gorge is easy to visit as a road goes through, which connects Koxaré to Asomatos. The gorge and the river are named after a special accoustic effect of the gorge. On certain locations in the gorge a sound called kourtala (claps) cane be heard, which sounds like people clapping hands. It is produced by wind funnelled through the caves high up in the wallas of the gorge. The best point to hear the sound is located close to the northern entrance of the gorge.

In the middle of the gorge tand the ruins of the chapel Agios Nikolaos. It has five springs nearby and the legend tell they formed when the Saint touched the rock, one for each finger. There is a trail leading down from the road to the river and the karst springs. Nearby is the small church named Agios Georgios, which is worth a visit for its mural showing the the Holy Trinity, the Holy Spirit is depicted in the form of a dove flying out of the mouth of God.