German Tunnels of Platanias: A WWII Memorial

The German Tunnels in Platanias offer a chilling glimpse into Crete's WWII history. Located beneath the church of Agios Dimitrios in Pano Platanias, these tunnels were constructed by requisitioned locals for the German occupying forces starting in 1942. The strategic position of Platanias made it an ideal location for the Germans to station infantry and artillery.The tunnels, stretching 120 meters, were primarily used for storing ammunition and military supplies. The site was chosen for its proximity to the church, offering protection from Allied attacks, and the soft limestone, which allowed for rapid digging. Inside, ten 'blind' chambers and two exits connected by trenches can still be seen.Today, the tunnels serve as a memorial museum dedicated to the Cretan resistance and the Battle of Crete. Visitors can view interesting objects and photographs from the German occupation. Markings left by German soldiers, such as initials, dates, and swastikas, are still visible on the tunnel walls.One notable story associated with the tunnels involves a wounded German pilot who died in Platanias during the Battle of Crete. To avoid reprisals, villagers secretly buried him near the church. When the Germans chose this site for the tunnels, a local church commissioner, Mihalis Stamatakis, convinced them to move the entrance to protect the grave and spare the village from potential massacre. The olive tree he invoked to protect the site still stands at the entrance.