The organizers of two major attractions, which are heralded as the "jewels" of the Gouves Township, have joined forces to provide a positive image just in time for the start of this year's tourist season.

The CretAquarium, which has been closed while undergoing major renovations, announced its re-opening, and the exhibition, Leonardo da Vinci - Inventor and Scientist, started its six-month run at the International Exhibit Center.

Both attractions are located in the Gouves Township on the old American base in Gournes.

While the aquarium and the da Vinci exhibition are both exciting experiences on their own, officials have got together and came up with a joint discount ticket, which will be a further incentive to attract visitors.   

Speaking at the aquarium's re-opening ceremonies, Gouves Mayor Yiorgos Nikolakakis said about the facility "it is a jewel which honours us with its presence in the municipality. Also, together with Mihalis Papadakis, director of the aquarium, we decided to join efforts and create something in the 'museum of the cold war' – the old American base – showcasing the development of the area."

According to the aquarium, the facility has reopened with 25 new aquariums, roughly 2,500 Mediterranean and tropical organisms, more biotopes and 1,700,000 cubic meters of sea water.  

"For the past three years, the CretAquarium has offered a large variety of marine life, from giant sharks to microscopic seahorses, as well as the alluring world of jelly-fish.," a spokesperson said.  "In the additional tanks there are new types of sea life and Mediterranean biotopes and ecosystems, while special emphasis is given to particular subjects of marine environment as well as to the invisible sides of the life circle of various types of marine beings."

Apart from the natural marine biotopes, micro cosmoses of artificial biotopes normally designed for merchandising, like harbours or mussel-farms, have been created in the new aquariums.  Also on view is the relatively dangerous immigrant fish Lagocephalus Sceleratus, which now has taken its place amongst the Mediterranean species.

Simultaneously, they have created small "touch tanks" where visitors can touch and feel various live marine organisms.

"Particularly for the children, the aquarium holds a lot of marine surprises, like the specifically designed activities-room where kids can actually create their own marine world using clay, cardboard and colours and learn through their own creativity," the spokesperson said.

The aquarium remains open everyday including holidays. The hours change during different seasons. Price of admission is 8 euros for adults; 6 for children, and a combination ticket with the da Vinci exhibit is 11 euros for adults and 10 for children. Further information is available by visiting its website at www.cretaquarium.gr.

 
The da Vinci exhibition, which will remain open until October 15, features 120 designs, 31 invention models and 12 touch-screens with six multi-media programs and 8,000 icons of the world's most renowned inventor and scientist.

Da Vinci, who was born in Italy in 1452 and died in France in 1519, is mostly known for his important art works, such as paintings of the Mona Lisa and the Last Supper. However, the inventions and scientific work he left to the world is an important and rich work, thusly establishing him as an ecumenical intellect, a title that very few people around the world enjoy.

The exhibition consists of objects in three categories, which present a whole picture of da Vinci the scientist and inventor.

1. Homotypes of drawings, sketches and studies covering the entire scope of his scientific endeavours.  

2. Prototypes, with each one representing months of hard work by the hands of eminent constructors from around the world.

3. Audiovisual material which together with the drawings and models gives the visitor the possibility to gain an in depth look at  the life and work of one of the most important personalities of the Renaissance.

The Gouves Township, after taking the initiative for the exhibition, worked together with the Alpha Exhibition Centre and, with further support of the CretAquarium, was able to make this project possible, thereby creating an exciting cultural hub within the old American base.

For this month, the exhibition is open from 9 am until 7 pm daily, and from June 1 to October 15 the doors will stay open from 9 am to 9 pm. Regular ticket prices are 6 euros for adults and 4 euros for children and students.

Once again, the combination CretAquarium/da Vinci ticket is 11 euros for adults and 10 euros for children.  

In addition to the two major attractions in Gouves, other cultural points of interest around our townships, in addition to the many important archaeological sites, include Aqua World Aquarium and the Lychnostatis Museum, both in Hersonissos.