Fragokastello in southwestern Crete will once again be in the news, as on April 7, 2025, a special group of castle scholars will be in Crete and will award local authorities and organizations related to the promotion and promotion of the monument.
The members of the internationally recognized organization Fortress Study Group (FSG), who are scholars of castles, fortifications and selected antiquities, in recognition of their contribution to the protection and promotion of the historic castle of Frangokastello, will award an honorary plaque to the Municipality of Sfakia and the Ephorate of Antiquities of Chania. In fact, the municipality of Sfakion is preparing a special event for the twenty FSG members from Great Britain, Canada, the United States, and Australia.
The Mayor of Sfakion expressed his support for the organization of the event, recognizing the importance of this initiative for the promotion of Frangokastello, as well as for the promotion of our region as a cultural destination.
Frangokastello is a rectangular fortress, built by the Venetians in 1371 in southwestern Crete, in the province of Sfakion in the prefecture of Chania. The castle has an area of ??approximately four acres, with its main entrance facing the Libyan Sea. On the walls, above the main gate, the beast and the coats of arms depicting the lion of St. Mark and the Venetian crowns can still be seen.
The Drosoulites
A folklore associated with the fortress is the story of the Drosoulites which can be translated as “shadows of dew”. In the days at the end of May and the beginning of June, a phenomenon takes place in the bay of Frangokastello, during which, according to legend, in the first hours before sunrise a series of human shadows appear to emerge from the old church of Agios Charalambos and go towards the sea where they disappear.
The Drosoulites are considered to be the shadows of Dalianis’ troops who were killed during the battle of Frangokastello. Scientifically, the phenomenon is considered to be a form of mirage, possibly from the shadows of individuals (soldiers?) practicing on the Libyan coast.
Whatever the explanation, the fortress today is the main attraction of the area, being an unusual setting for holidaymakers on the beach next to it.
Photo: kastra.eu
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