Must Visit Categories: Attractions Heraklion Attractions

Venturing outside the bustling streets of Heraklion, to the serene surroundings of the Martinengo tower, we found ourselves at the final resting place of one of Greece’s literary giants, Nikos Kazantzakis. Born in Heraklion in 1883, Kazantzakis’s life was a journey of philosophical exploration, often placing him at odds with established religious authorities due to his provocative writings.

Controversies and Convictions

Kazantzakis’s quest to understand the divine and human existence led him down paths less traveled, including a six-month sojourn in a monastery. Influenced by Friedrich Nietzsche’s atheistic philosophies, Kazantzakis crafted a worldview that challenged traditional notions of God and spirituality. This audacious approach to theology, especially as depicted in his book “The Last Temptation of Christ,” drew the ire of the Roman Catholic Church, which banned the book and prohibited its translation. The Greek Orthodox Church, taking offense at his portrayal of Jesus Christ as a figure torn between divine duty and human desires, excommunicated Kazantzakis in 1955.

The Final Resting Place

Despite the ecclesiastical backlash, Kazantzakis remained undeterred, responding to his critics with a declaration of moral and religious integrity. His final wish, to be buried outside the city walls of Heraklion, was a testament to his unyielding spirit. The tomb itself is a stark, yet profoundly moving tribute to his life and work. A simple wooden cross stands over the grave, beneath which is engraved Kazantzakis’s epitaph, a powerful affirmation of his philosophical stance: “I hope for nothing. I fear nothing. I am free.”

A Reflection on Freedom and Legacy

Visiting Kazantzakis’s tomb was not just a walk through the annals of Greek literature but a profound encounter with the essence of human freedom and the courage to seek truth beyond conventional boundaries. His legacy, inscribed not only on his tombstone but in the hearts of readers around the world, continues to inspire those who dare to question, to dream, and to live fully liberated from fear and expectation.