*The photos are sourced from the official website of the museum.
20°C
Georgios A. Hadjidakis was born on December 12, 1931, in the beautiful village of Askifou, Sfakia. He experienced the tragic events of World War II as a child, which shaped him into the resilient person he is today. At the tender age of ten, he was confronted with the heart-wrenching German invasion of Crete, which resulted in the destruction of his home and the tragic loss of his younger sister. He was seriously wounded, leaving a scar on his forehead. His family found safety in Georgioupolis, but the war left an indelible mark on his heart.
He decided to honor Crete and his ancestors in a special way: by collecting remnants of the battle and objects from the period 1940-44 to keep the historical memory alive.
His collection, which has over 2,000 exhibits, is one of the largest private collections of World War II in Greece. The War Museum of Askifou, founded by him and continued by his son, Andreas G. Hadjidakis, is located in the region of Sfakia and the village of Askifou. It hosts unique historical documents, honoring the endurance and sacrifice of the Cretans during the Nazi’s Occupation.
*The photos are sourced from the official website of the museum.
Collection
War
Askifou, Chania
+30 6977827138
All week: 09.00 – 21.00
The Rural Greece is an online portal that connects travellers with unique destinations and local businesses in the countryside, offering authentic experiences through activities that highlight nature, traditions and culture.
For the Rural Greece accessibility is fundamental to enhancing an inclusive tourism experience. Following the principles of inclusion and equality, the epaithros Rural Tourism Network and its member businesses are constantly working to enhance the tourism services provided, ensuring that all visitors have the opportunity to experience the authentic beauty of the Greek countryside.
Sustainability in tourism refers to a way of developing tourism that respects and protects the environment while strengthening the local economy and preserving cultural traditions. The aim of sustainable tourism is to provide unique and authentic experiences for visitors without harming the natural and social environment, while ensuring that local communities benefit from tourism activity.
This type of tourism is based on three pillars:
With sustainable tourism, visitors can have authentic experiences, knowing that the impact of tourism on the region is positive and lasting for future generations.
For Rural Greece, localism is one of the most important factors for the development of sustainable tourism, as it promotes a strong link between the tourism product and the local society, economy and culture. Through localism, visitors get the opportunity to explore authentic elements of the destination, such as local products, traditions and culture. This not only boosts the local economy, but also helps to sustain and strengthen local businesses, creating new jobs and supporting the development of local communities.
Furthermore, localism contributes to the sustainability of the tourism sector, as it reduces the use of resources from other regions and encourages the use of local goods and services, reducing the ecological footprint of tourism activities. Thus, integrating localism into tourism practices enhances sustainability awareness, both among visitors and local businesses, creating a more responsible and sustainable tourism destination.
