Drosoulites! For some, a visual, natural phenomenon, and for others, a metaphysical phenomenon rooted in history. In reality, however, it is definitely a strange and extremely impressive phenomenon that occurs in Crete and specifically in Frangokastello in the prefecture of Chania. You will see it every late spring and hear from the locals telling you the legend that accompanies it and how it is interpreted. So, on the one hand, we have this unique and impressive natural phenomenon, and on the other hand, the interpretation and legend that have accompanied it for years.
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Drosoulites: The strange phenomenon in Crete
Every year, therefore, and specifically at the end of May to the beginning of June, just before the sun rises, the Drosoulites appear at the site of Thyme Kampos in the province of Sfakia. This is a special optical phenomenon observed around Frangokastello in specific atmospheric conditions. During the phenomenon, shadows resembling human figures can be seen in the morning dew. The phenomenon lasts for about ten minutes, before or at sunrise, and when the north wind is about to blow after the morning humidity.
During this, therefore, a series of human shadows are observed from the plain around the castle, sometimes dense and sometimes more sparse, moving from the monastery of Agios Charalambos to Frangokastello. Apart from the legend that we will mention below, according to one explanation, the phenomenon with Drosoulites is due to an optical illusion caused by the evaporation of morning dew. This light fog created by this exhaust often seems to create various figures that can be mistaken for humans, especially if someone already has in mind that they are going to see something like this.
The legend that accompanies the phenomenon in Frangokastello
The Drosoulites are accompanied, as we said, by a legend of centuries concerning a clash between Greeks and Turks. It is therefore believed that Drosoulites, these figures that appear, are the ghosts of the dead warriors of Hatzimichalis Dalianis, who were killed during the defense of the Frangokastello fortress on May 17, 1828.
Six hundred fighters resisted the Battle of Frangokastello against 8000 Turks for a whole week. However, eventually 335 of them were killed, including their leader. The dead Turks are said to be 800. Legend has it that the bodies of the Greek warriors remained unburied until a strong wind carried sand from the nearby beach of Orthi Ammos and covered their bodies. And that they are the ones one sees that morning in late spring in the phenomenon called Drosoulites.
It is said that in 1890, Turkish soldiers who were in Frangokastello fled in panic when they saw Drosoulites, as they were afraid. Something similar happened many years later, when the Germans occupied Crete. Then a military detachment saw the Drosoulites, thought they were rebels, and started shooting at them. In the air, of course.
Frangokastello, a castle full of beauty and history
All this, as we said, unfolds in Frangokastello, this historic and beautiful corner of Crete. It is a Medieval Castle in the prefecture of Chania, which was built between 1371 and 1374 by the Venetians. The Venetian name of the castle was originally Agios Nikitas. However, later the name Frangokastello prevailed, which was attributed to it by the local population and means the castle of the Franks. This is because this is how the locals used to call all foreigners Catholics.
If you find yourself there, you will undoubtedly be impressed by the beauty of the spot, while the images from above are equally immersive. Over the centuries, Frangokastello was abandoned and rebuilt many times, either by the Ottomans or by the rebellious Greeks during the revolution, while today it is an indisputable emblem of the history of this place.
If you find yourself in Sfakia, we also suggest you explore the Greek village you only go to… on foot or by boat, i.e., Loutro.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Drosoulites are a strange optical phenomenon that occurs in Frangokastello, Crete, between late May and early June. They appear just before sunrise as shadows resembling human figures visible in the morning dew. The phenomenon lasts about ten minutes and occurs when specific atmospheric conditions are present, particularly with morning humidity and a north wind.
According to scientific explanation, Drosoulites are caused by an optical illusion created by the evaporation of morning dew. The light fog produced by this evaporation creates various figures that can appear human-like, especially if observers anticipate seeing human shapes. This natural phenomenon is enhanced by specific weather conditions and atmospheric circumstances.
The legend states that Drosoulites are the ghosts of Greek warrior soldiers who died during the Battle of Frangokastello on May 17, 1828. Led by Hatzimichalis Dalianis, 600 Greek fighters resisted 8,000 Turkish soldiers for a week, with 335 Greeks and approximately 800 Turks killed. According to the legend, sand from the nearby Orthi Ammos beach covered the unburied bodies of the fallen Greek warriors, and they appear as Drosoulites each spring.
Frangokastello is a Medieval Venetian castle built between 1371-74 in Chania, Crete. Originally named Agios Nikitas by the Venetians, it was later called Frangokastello (meaning 'castle of the Franks') by locals. The castle is most famous for the Battle of Frangokastello in 1828, where Greek fighters heroically resisted a much larger Turkish force. The castle remains a significant historical landmark representing the conflict between Greeks and Turks during this period.
Yes, historical accounts document instances where Drosoulites caused panic among military personnel. In 1890, Turkish soldiers stationed at Frangokastello fled in fear when they witnessed the phenomenon. Similarly, during German occupation of Crete in World War II, a German military detachment mistook the Drosoulites for rebels and opened fire at them, though the shots were fired harmlessly into the air.
