Witness the history of the ancient wall of Gortyna, where the city’s laws are literally hewn into the stone. The nearby acropolis features statues, columns and monuments that have stood here for thousands of years. You’ll also learn about the city’s place in Greek mythology. Walk past the famed plane tree, which is said to have been the site of one of Zeus’ many affairs. Afterwards, see the Church of St. Titus, a Christian building.
Covering around 4 square kilometres (1.5 square miles), Gortyna is Crete’s largest archaeological site and one of the country’s most important. The uncovered settlement is estimated to date back to around 3000 B.C. Carbon dating confirms that by 1600 B.C., Gortyna was a flourishing settlement. First discovered by recent historians in 1884, Gortyna has been a crucial source of insight into Crete’s ancient inhabitants.
Admire an ancient wall engraved with the Gortyna code, written in characters carved thousands of years ago. These inscriptions make up one of the oldest examples of a written Greek law code. Over the 12 columns of the construct, more than 600 lines of incredibly preserved characters can be seen.
After seeing the wall, visit the acropolis, an ancient Greek temple that houses statues and columns from the era. This collection of relics counts over 1,500 items, making it one of the most densely decorated archaeological sites in Greece.
Ask guides about the myth of the plane tree. It is said that it was here that Zeus, the father of the Olympic Gods, had an affair with princess Europa. For a change of pace, explore the Byzantine Church of St. Titus. This Christian building marked Gortyna becoming one of Greece’s first Christian communities, which lasted until the 9th century.
Gortyna is around 45 kilometres (27 miles) south of Heraklion in the Messara Plain. It is open year-round, except for holidays. Information and souvenirs can be found at a modern visitor centre with a café and gift shop. The site charges a small admission.
