Egyptian Gods sanctuary

The Egyptian Gods sanctuary is an excavated religious complex in Gortyn on Crete dedicated to Isis, Anubis, and Serapis. The site contains temple foundations, altars, and ritual chambers that once hosted ceremonies and religious gatherings.

The sanctuary arose during the Hellenistic period when Greek communities adopted Egyptian religions and built temples for foreign gods. This era showed how conquest and trade encouraged exchange between cultures.

Egyptian deities such as Isis and Serapis found devotion in the Greek world here, showing how people from different cultures shared their spiritual beliefs. Visitors can see this religious blending today in the carved stone work and altar structures that remain.

The site is easily reached from the town of Gortyn, and visitors should wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection since the ruins sit on open ground. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer better conditions as the sun is less intense.

Excavations revealed stone tablets with inscriptions describing when and how religious celebrations were performed according to lunar phases. These details show that people here followed an astronomical order to plan their sacred rituals.

Location: Gortyn Municipality

GPS coordinates: 35.05824,24.95082

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:22