Gortyna

Archaeological Site in Central Crete

Gortyna Γόρτυνα

Also known as Gortyn or Gortys.

This site is located 50 kms from Heraklion town. Whereas many of the remains you will see on Crete are from the Minoan culture, this settlement was a predominantly a Roman capital.

Watch carefully as you drive along the national road so as not to miss the signs for this site, which sits along the roadside.

This was the richest city in Crete during the first to the fifth centuries AD, the period of Roman domination in the area.

Highlights of the archaeological finds here include the wall with inscription of the Law of Gortyn representing the earliest known Greek law, dating from first half of the 5th century BC.

The quiet peace of the site, its location away from civilisation and lack of the mad crowds of Knossos make this a lovely site for history buffs and nature lovers alike. There are plenty of opportunities to relax and take in the atmosphere and imagine life in this lush Messara valley in ancient and classical times.

If you pack a picnic, you could sit under the beautiful plane tree to muse about the story of Zeus and Europa who, it is told in Greek mythology, made love here.

Exploring Nearby

Nearby is the site of Phaistos, an ancient Minoan palace. If you come on a Saturday, it is the day to visit the markets in Mires, just 14 kms down the road.

Also in comfortable driving distance are Kokkinos Pirgos Beach and Matala Beach, and the beautiful Zaros mountain village.

Accommodation Nearby

Good accommodation can be found at Matala, Kokkinos Pirgos and Zaros.

Our pick would be the eco-village at Zaros - Eleonas.

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