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In the
North-West of Kissamos is located the island of Gramvoussa.
Gramvoussa was fortified by the Venetians
(1579-1582), who built a well-fortified
castle on
the top of a steepy rock at an altitude of 137 m. It was destroyed in 1588,
when thunder struck on the powder store and rebuilt in 1630.
It was one of the three castles to remain under Venetian dominion after the
Turkish occupation of Crete until 1692. The other two were those of Sitia
and Spinalonga.
During the Greek uprising against the Turks, Gramvoussa played an
important role. After many attempts the castle was finally occupied by the
Cretan in 1825. The island was the first part of Crete to be liberated by
the Turks. It also became a base of pirates that plundered
every ship that passed to the seas around the island. In 1828, with the
agreement of the Greek Government, a English-French garrison took over the
island.
Today, the high walls of the Gramvoussa are preserved, half ruined but
awesome.
Opposite to the island of Gramvoussa is the wonderful beach of Balos.
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