Gortyn

Gortyn is an ancient city in the Messara Valley on Crete with extensive ruins spanning multiple periods. The remains include baths, religious buildings, a theater structure, and an administrative center scattered across the site.

The city was founded in ancient times and grew into an important administrative center. Under Roman rule it became the capital of a province, until Arab forces destroyed it.

The name Gortyn comes from ancient times and reflects its role as a major administrative center in the region. You can see how different periods left their mark on the stones and structures scattered across the site.

The site is sprawling with ruins spread across a large area, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The best time to visit is early morning when it is cooler and fewer people are around.

In one location on the site stands a lengthy stone inscription with ancient laws carved in a spiral arrangement. This inscription uses the Dorian dialect and ranks among the oldest preserved legal documents from the Greek world.