Askifou Plateau

The Askifou Plateau is located south of Chania, at an altitude of approximately 730 meters, and is one of the most picturesque areas of Crete. Surrounded by the impressive White Mountains, the plateau consists of four small traditional villages: Ammoudari, Goni, Kares, and Petres. Its name derives from the ancient word ''skyphos,'' meaning cup, likely referring to the shape of the plateau.

In the village of Kares, the Askifou War Museum operates, a unique collection dedicated to the history of World War II in Crete. The museum was founded by Georgios A. Chatzidakis, who meticulously gathered over 2,000 items from the period 1940-1944, including weapons, bombs, shells, and airplane parts. It is one of the largest private collections related to the war in Crete and offers visitors a vivid insight into the historical events of that time.

The Askifou War Museum is open daily and serves as an important attraction for those wishing to learn about Crete’s history through personal testimonies and authentic wartime artifacts. Visiting the museum provides a valuable opportunity to better understand the sacrifices and events that marked the region during the Occupation.