War memorials
Visit the Souda Bay Allied War Cemetery & Maleme German Cemetery in Crete. Historical landmarks honoring soldiers of WWII with free year-round access.
Souda Bay Cemetary, Hania
A truly humbling experience is to this last resting place of allied soldiers from the First and Second World Wars. Located directly in an olive grove (this having been donated from the Greek state) in the mouth of the bay is this beautifully landscaped scene of graves and commemorative statues.
Ceremonies take place every year in memory of the victims who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Designed by the architect Louis de Soissons and built and maintained by the Commonwealth Committee it was dedicated to those who lost their lives on the island of Crete. In total there are 1527 burials with nationals from the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and South Africa. Among the British who lie here is John D. Pedlebury the British archaeologist who was assigned in 1929 to be the commissioner in the archaeological site of Knossos by Arthur Evans. He played an important role in counter-intelligence during WW II.
The cemetary is located about 5 km east from the centre of Hania. If you follow the Souda Road you will soon see signs directing you to this tranquil oasis of headstones next to the calming waters of Souda Bay.
The cemetary is permanently open and can be visited throughout the year. There is no entrance fee.
Maleme German Cemetary
More than 15000 German soldiers lost their lives during the Second World War on Greek terrain. There are two cemeteries in Greece where the graves of German soldiers lie and one of them is on Crete. Situated 20 km west of Hania on the north coast and one km above the village of Maleme is the resting place for 4,465 German soldiers. Founded in 1974 by the former German commander Gericke and now maintained by the German Graves Commission this cemetary looks out across the deep blue bay of Hania. Most of the German soldiers who lost their lives on Crete were paratroopers who died during the invasion. There is a multilingual exhibition displaying the names of those who lie but are not forgotten.
Whatever your nationality, visiting either one of these last resting places is a sombre and thought- provoking experience. Certainly a reality check in our 21st century of technology and one which provokes contemplation.