??G trip: Western Crete (Journeys)

The ATG trust supported the efforts of a local family to conserve the heritage of their village in Western Crete. Eutichis and his father, who own the taverna in Azogyres, have already repaired the local church and cleared a number of paths through the hills. Now, with the help of our guide, Manuelle Prunier, we have been able to contribute to this admirable local initiative.

The project was the restoration of a bridge said to have been built singlehandedly by Father  Gabriel Papagrigorianis, a much-revered figure in this corner of Crete in the late 19th century. Father Gabriel is said to have turned to the priesthood and to good works after losing his manhood in an unfortunate skirmish with the Turks... This area was seriously damaged in the Second World War, and the bridge had become dilapidated and unsafe, with a large tree obstructing it.

The ATG trust provided the funds to repair bridge, and the locals put in the hard work, the materials, and the donkey to carry bags of sand and cement down the gorge! The bridge has been restored and made usable, to the delight of the local community, and to the delight of our groups, who can now walk along the old track to the XIth century monastery of St. John the Foreigner, rather then walking along the road.

It is a project that has reflects the goodwill that has built up between ATG and the villagers of Crete, and we hope to be able to sponsor other projects in this area.

Project completed 2003