Cranae

Cranae

Native name: Κρανάη Nickname: Marathonesi
UTC+3 )

Cranae or Kranai (

) connected to the land by a causeway built in 1898.

Etymology

Some believe that the etymology for the name Cranae (Kranai) comes from the legendary king of Athens Kranaos, the successor of King Kekropas (Cecrops) as Athens was also known as "Kranaa". However the word Kranaos according to Homer it has the following meanings: 'Rocky', 'ragged', 'hard'. Therefore, some believe that the word Kranai literally means 'rocky', 'rock'.

The name "Marathonisi" translates to 'fennel-island', as the herb fennel was naturally growing on this island.

History

According to legend, when

, Cranae became a resting spot for traders.

When

. The tower, the Tzannetakis, built in 1829, now houses the Historical and Cultural museum of Mani.

On the island there is a chapel dedicated to

Mani peninsula

.

Gallery

• 
  View from Gytheio
• 
  Chapel of St Peter
• 
  Lighthouse of Cranae
• 
  Tzanetakis' tower at Cranae

References

Sources

• ISBN 0-14-044362-2
  .
• ISBN 0140445048
  .