The icon shrines of Crete
It is said that the island of Crete has the most religious shrines in the world. Lots of them are roadside shrines, located near where a road death has occurred (Greece as a whole has a large number of automobile accidents, and many roadside shrines). However, in Crete they are to be found all over the island: by houses, fields, even caves. Shrines are often dedicated to saints to bless and protect food crops and livestock. Behind the little glass doors of the shrines an oil lamp will burn, there may be images of saints, plastic flowers and personal offerings.
Photos taken June 2003
Previously on Barnflakes
Fairy HQ on the Enchanted Trail in Coosebean Woodland, Truro