Eleutherna, Archaeological site near Mount Ida, Crete, Greece.
The excavated ruins of Eleutherna extend across Prines and Nisi hills, featuring preserved Hellenistic walls, Roman buildings, and early Christian structures.
Founded in the 9th century BC, Eleutherna developed into a significant city-state that participated in regional conflicts until an earthquake in 365 CE.
The Orthi Petra cemetery contains 400 tombs dating from 870 BC to 600 BC, revealing ancient Greek burial practices through pottery and metalwork findings.
The archaeological park includes walking paths with information panels in Greek and English, allowing visitors to explore the excavated sections independently.
Four female remains discovered at the site belonged to an Iron Age matrilineal line of priestesses, marking a significant finding in Mediterranean archaeology.
Location: Rethymno Municipality
GPS coordinates: 35.32417,24.67694
Latest update: March 4, 2025 07:01
Crete features pink sand beaches, ancient palaces, blue lagoons, mountain gorges, Venetian harbors, monasteries and remote villages. The island presents natural and historical photo subjects with Mediterranean character.
This selection highlights Crete locations away from common routes. It includes historic sites such as the Venetian fortress of Spinalonga, occupied by a leper colony until 1957, and the ruins of the Minoan palace of Kato Zakros on the eastern coast. Notable geological formations include the Kourtaliotiko gorges with 600-meter limestone walls, the Aradena bridge suspended 138 meters above the void, and the Dikteon cave, extending over two kilometers into Mount Dikte. Nature enthusiasts can explore the small bay of Seitan Limania between its white cliffs, the Argiroupoli springs bursting amidst Roman ruins, or take trails through the Theriso gorges. These destinations offer a different view of Crete, away from the tourist crowds along the northern coastline.
Arkadi Monastery
4.6 km
Eleutherna Bridge
1.7 km
Museum of Ancient Eleutherna
585 m
Cave of Melidoni
8.2 km
Eleutherna Archaeological Museum
579 m
Agia Paraskevi church
8.9 km
Moni Asomaton
9.2 km
Naos Panagias
8 km
Moni Arseniou
9.4 km
Church of Agios Dimitrios, Margarites
2 km
Church of Zoodochos Pigi
8.8 km
Church of Agios Nicholaos, Margarites
2.1 km
Church of Agios Georgios, Kalamas
3.6 km
Church of Agios Onoufrios, Genna
8.5 km
Church of Panagia, Agios Ioannis Mylopotamou
9.2 km
Metal bridge, Perama
5.8 km
Church of Agios Dimitrios, Viran Episkopi
7.1 km
Venetian Villa ton GLODIO, Pikri
5.1 km
Early Christian Basilica in Panormos of Rethymnon
10.1 km
Church of St John at Episcopi
8.5 km
Church of Koimiseos tis Theotokou and Agias Paraskevis
7.1 km
Church of Michail Archaggelos, Margarites
1.8 km
Church of Agios Ioannis Theologos, Margarites
1.9 km
Church of Agios Ioannis Prodromos, Margarites
2 km
Bridge of Garazou
10.2 km
Traditional ceramic factories, Margarites
2 km
Primary School, Skordilo
3.7 km
Nikolakakis building complex, Tripodo Mylopotamou
1.3 kmReviews
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