Gortyna archaeological site
Now closed
Gortyna, located on Crete's Mesara Plain, was a major ancient city second only to Knossos. Inhabited since the Neolithic period (7000 BC), it flourished during the Bronze Age under Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations. By the Archaic and Classical periods, Gortyna was a powerful city-state, sometimes allied with, sometimes rivaling, Knossos. In 67 BC, Romans conquered Crete, making Gortyna capital of the province of Crete and Cyrenaica. The city thrived under Roman rule, with new infrastructure like the Praetorium, amphitheater, and Sanctuary of the Egyptian Gods.
A key discovery is the Gortyn code, the oldest known complete ancient Greek law, offering insights into 5th century BC social, economic, and legal structures. Gortyna embraced Christianity during the Byzantine era, evidenced by the Basilica of Saint Titus. The Arab conquest in the 9th century AD led to its decline. Today, Gortyna is a major archaeological site with ongoing excavations. Key sites include the Praetorium, Odeon (housing the Gortyn code inscription), amphitheater, Pythion Theater, Sanctuary of the Egyptian Gods, Basilica of Saint Titus, and Acropolis.
Agioi Deka, Gortyna
Agioi Deka, in Crete's Gortyna municipality, sits atop ancient Gortyna, honoring the Ten Martyrs martyred in 250 AD. The village features a 12th-century church at the martyrdom site, the Filakeion museum showcasing Gortyna artifacts, and the "Vasiliou Melathron," former bishop's residence. Agioi Deka, with a population around 732 (2021), is a hub with schools, a health center, and transport links. The village's history includes the Malikoutis family, Greek War of Independence revolutionaries, and its past as the Bishopric of Gortyna and Arcadia seat until 1945. The Metropolitan Church houses the marble slab where the Ten Saints were beheaded.
Agios Pavlos Monastery near Paranymfoi
The Agios Pavlos Monastery is a Venetian-era ruin near Paranymfoi, Crete. Located in the Asterousia Mountains, it once served as a hermitage and monastery. The site features a single-aisled basilica church with traces of frescoes, a carved doorway, and ruins of monks' cells. The monastery, linked to the scholar Iosif Filagris, flourished during the Venetian period but was abandoned in the 20th century. The surrounding area shows signs of inhabitation since antiquity, including possible evidence of an ancient sanctuary. The monastery is accessible by a dirt road from Paranymfoi and is situated above the Porofarago gorge, near the hiking trail to Tries Ekklisies.
Amigdalos, Archanes - Asterousia
Amigdalos (Αμύγδαλος) is a small mountainous village in the Municipality of Archanes-Asterousia in the Heraklion Regional Unit, Crete, Greece. It is located at an altitude of 595 meters, approximately 50 km south of Heraklion and 37 km south of Epano Archanes. The village was first officially recognized as a settlement in 1925. The name "Amigdalos" means "almond tree" in Greek, likely named after the abundance of wild almond trees in the surrounding region. Amigdalos has experienced a steady population decline throughout the 20th and 21st centuries.
Apesokari Tholos tombs
The Apesokari Tholos Tombs in Crete are significant Early Minoan burial sites. Tholos Tomb A features a unique circular burial chamber and annex, used for both primary and secondary burials. Tholos Tomb B includes multiple rooms with evidence of communal drinking and larnax burials. Both tombs offer valuable insights into Early Minoan funerary practices and social organization.
Gkagkales, Gortyna
Gangales is a village in the Heraklion Regional Unit, Crete, with a history dating back to the Second Byzantine period (961-1204). The village is located on the Messara plain, 48.8 km from Heraklion. Gangales is mentioned in Venetian and Ottoman records, and played a role in the Cretan resistance against both empires. During World War II, it sheltered Allied soldiers and resistance fighters.
The main church is dedicated to the Transfiguration of the Savior. Gangales also has a primary school and a kindergarten. Today, it is a small agricultural village and the seat of the Gangales Municipality. The population of Gangales has fluctuated throughout its history, with a peak of 493 in 1981. As of 2021, the population was 264.
Koumasa, Gortyna
Koumasa, a Cretan village with a long history, is located in the Gortyna municipality on the foothills of the Asterousia Mountains. It is known for its archaeological sites, including tombs and settlements from various Minoan periods.
The village's history dates back to at least 1368 during the Venetian period. The name "Koumasa" likely comes from the word "koumos," meaning a temporary shelter for animals.
A research program led by Professor Diamantis Panagiotopoulos is currently excavating and studying the settlement and necropolis. Discoveries include a Pre-palatial and Old Palace period necropolis, a New Palace period settlement, and an Early Minoan underground burial deposit.
With 69 inhabitants, Koumasa maintains a tranquil atmosphere. The village continues its agricultural traditions, while the archaeological research attracts visitors.
Lebena (Leveen)
Lebena, an ancient city on Crete's southern coast, is renowned for its Sanctuary of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine. The city's strategic location near a good harbor and its association with the healing cult of Asclepius made it an important center for both trade and religious pilgrimage. Lebena was also a significant port for trade and commerce with the East during the Prepalatial period. The site of Lebena has a long history of occupation, with evidence of inhabitation dating back to the Neolithic and Early Minoan periods (ca. 3rd millennium BC). The presence of a variety of Eastern imports in secure Prepalatial contexts at Lebena, including faience, gold, ivory, and Egyptian scarabs, suggests that Lebena was a significant port for trade and commerce with the East during this time. In the Late Classical period (ca. 4th century BC), the Gortynians established the sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius at the harbor. The city was destroyed by a powerful earthquake in 46 BC but was subsequently rebuilt. The sanctuary continued to flourish throughout the Roman period, as evidenced by the numerous inscriptions and archaeological finds from the site. The strategic location of Lebena on the south coast of Crete made it an ideal location for a port. The sheltered bay would have provided a safe harbor for ships, and the proximity to the Asterousia Mountains would have offered protection from storms. Additionally, Lebena's location on the south coast would have made it a convenient stopping point for ships traveling between the Aegean and the Near East. The presence of Eastern imports at Lebena suggests that the site was an important point of contact between Crete and the East during the Prepalatial period.
Lentas, Gortyna
Lentas is a small, tranquil village on Crete's south coast, in the Heraklion region. It is located 74 kilometers southwest of Heraklion city. In ancient times, Lentas was the site of Levin, a significant port and sacred site. Levin was a major center for the worship of Asclepius, the god of healing. The ruins of the Asclepieion, a temple dedicated to Asclepius, can still be seen today. Excavations have also revealed a Protominoan settlement dating back to 2500-1900 BC. The name "Lentas" is thought to be pre-Hellenic, possibly derived from the Phoenician word for "lion" or the ancient word "Levynthos." The village is known for its beautiful beaches, including Lentas beach, Dytikos, Tsigounas, Loutra, and Trafoulas. Dytikos beach is known for its relaxed atmosphere and association with the hippie movement.
Loukia, Gortyna
Loukia, located in the Asterousia Mountains of Crete, is a village with a rich history dating back to at least 1368. Records indicate its existence under both Venetian and Ottoman rule. The village, situated 67 kilometers south of Heraklion, has a population of 155. Loukia features traditional architecture, some of which is in disrepair. Despite its small size, the village maintains a primary school, churches, and a cultural association dedicated to preserving its heritage.
Mitropoli, Gortyna
Mitropoli, a village in Crete's Gortyna municipality, sits adjacent to the significant archaeological site of Gortyna. Its name derives from the nearby ruins of the first Byzantine metropolitan church of Agios Titos. Recent excavations have unearthed a mosaic floor from an early Christian basilica, further highlighting the area's historical depth. The village is approximately 46 kilometers from Heraklion. Mitropoli's economy is largely agricultural, focusing on grapes, olives, vegetables, cereals, and citrus fruits. The village has a primary school, kindergarten, and the central church of Agios Nikolaos, showcasing Byzantine architecture. Historical population data shows fluctuations, with the current population around 370. Mitropoli's proximity to Gortyna makes it a point of interest for those studying ancient and Byzantine history.
Paranymfoi, Archanes - Asterousia
Paranymfoi is a small, picturesque village nestled in the Asterousia Mountains of Crete, with a history stretching back to the 13th century. The village is mentioned in Venetian records and Ottoman censuses, bearing testament to its long history. The rugged terrain has contributed to a strong sense of community and self-reliance among its inhabitants, who have traditionally been involved in agriculture and animal husbandry.
Paranymfoi's strategic location made it an important stopover for travelers and traders in the past. Today, it continues to attract visitors with its stunning panoramic views, which include the Libyan Sea. The village also serves as a starting point for exploring the Asterousia Mountains, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance.
A small folklore museum, established by the local cultural association, showcases the traditional way of life in the region. The museum houses a collection of old objects used in weaving, storage, agricultural work, and various household items. The church of Agios Pavlos, with its remnants of frescoes, stands as a reminder of the village's rich past. Paranymfoi's enduring presence and unique character make it a hidden gem in the tapestry of Cretan history.
Platanos Minoan tholos tombs
The Minoan tholos tombs at Platanos, located in the Messara Plain of Crete, are significant archaeological remains from the Prepalatial period (c. 3200-2000 BC). Excavated in the early 20th century, the site features three tholos tombs (circular, beehive-shaped burial chambers) and a paved courtyard. The tombs, labeled A, B, and C, vary in size and preservation. Tomb A, the largest, has an internal diameter of 13 meters. The tombs contained many artifacts, including seals, figurines, pottery vessels, stone vessels, gold jewelry, and bronze tools. These findings provide valuable insights into Minoan funerary practices and material culture during the Prepalatial period. The presence of imported objects, such as an ancient Babylonian cylinder seal and Egyptian scarabs, also highlights the extensive trade networks that connected Crete with other civilizations in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Platanos, Gortyna
Platanos, a village in Heraklion, Crete, near the Mesara Plain, is known for olive oil production. The village's history includes an 1878 protest regarding aid and taxation. Near Platanos lies an Early Minoan settlement with tholos tombs, discovered in 1915. First recorded in 1834, the village has a church dedicated to Agios Georgios and a primary school. Platanos is part of the municipality of Gortyna.
Plora, Gortyna
Plora, a village in Gortyna, Crete, sits on Asterousia's foothills at 180m altitude. Likely named after ancient Pyloros, its ruins lie west of the village. First mentioned in 1583 with 167 residents, Plora's economy centers on olive cultivation, with vast groves and oil production. The Plorianos River dam supports citrus farming. Religious sites include Despotis Christos, Annunciation churches, and Agios Antonios, Agios Georgios o Kalamiaris, and Agios Panteleimon chapels. The 2021 population was 194.
Sternes, Gortyna
Sternes, a village in Heraklion, Crete, has a history dating back to the 13th century. Its name comes from the Greek word "sterna," meaning cistern, referencing a large Roman-era cistern located west of the village.
Sternes is in the foothills of the Asterousia Mountains. The village has been documented in historical records as early as 1271. Today, Sternes remains an agricultural community with a population of around 420, focused on the cultivation of olives and grapes for raisins.
Sternes has several churches and chapels, including the church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary, the church of Saint John, and the chapels of Agia Paraskevi and Panagia. The village also has a cultural association, a kindergarten, and an elementary school.
The Minoan Settlement and Cemetery at Koumasa
Koumasa, an important Minoan archaeological site in southern Crete, is located about 15 km south of Gortyn. The site is significant for its Prepalatial cemetery and Minoan settlement, providing insights into the lives and customs of the Minoans during the Prepalatial period.
The Cemetery at Koumasa consists of three circular tholos tombs, a square tomb, and a circular ossuary. Excavations uncovered artifacts, including a clay figurine depicting a bull-leaping scene, Cycladic figurines, stone offering tables, and gold jewelry.
The Minoan settlement at Koumasa is located on a hill overlooking the cemetery. Excavations have revealed an extensive settlement with evidence of domestic and industrial activities. The presence of large walls suggests the existence of substantial buildings.
