Engraved map in fine contemporary colors in outline and wash. Published in the edition of Blaeu’s ‘Atlas Maior’. Ornated with a nice allegoric cartouche, ships and shields for coat of arms. The island of Crete is shown quite accurate with detailed engraved rivers, mountains and villages.
Highly decorative map in very fine old original colors.
The three Studios of Cretan Tower are named Pyrgos, Tholos and Aherionas.
The building that hosts the Studios is of exceptional architecture, constructed in the 15th century by the Venetian conquerors in the village Chamalevri, just 12 km from the town of Rethymno and is officially recognized by the Ministry of Culture as a historic preserved building.
A truly unique building, one of the few Cretan buildings of that era that are privately owned.
It is built in a dominant position with breathtaking views of the sea, the stream and the plains and the mountains of Rethymno. The building’s history goes back very long in time. The building used to be a communication lighthouse, used by the Venetians to alert for oncoming enemies due to its predominant location and its tremendous view to the Cretan sea and the valley.
Later on, it was used by the Turks as a headquarter for their army officers and base of operation against the Cretan rebels. When Crete was liberated, in the early 19th century, it came to the hands of the present owners of Cretan Tower Villa & Studios.
In 2005 the Studios were renovated strictly by following the plans of the archaeologists of the Ministry of Culture. In that sense, only traditional structure materials were used, as well as handmade furniture.