If holidaying in Crete this year, you may wish to make a visit to the Cretan Runner Museum. The Museum celebrates the life and achievements of George Psychoundakis, and is based in his village of Asi Gonia.
It was established by his son Nikos Psychoundakis and grandsons George and Stelios Psychoundakis, in a building built by the late George Psychoundakis himself. The purpose of this museum is to exhibit and share important documents, books, photos, missions with friends and colleagues and other various personal objects of George’s with the public instead of being stored away in cupboards and boxes.
A dedication in Greek by Patrick Leigh Fermor with typical seagulls!
The museum has no website, but there is a Facebook page with further information.
Having visited Asigonia following the trail of George’s travels across the island and in awe of his achievements congratulations to his son and grandchildren for making this museum a place to celebrate George’s life. May it also bring more visitors to the village and income to the local economy.
Having walked up the riverbed approaching the village one begins to understand the hardships the country folk of Crete went through in and after the Second World War.
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I’ll be sure to visit it when going to Crete. But this year we are going to Kardamyli !!!