Athens
The archaeological site of Eleftherna is approximately 30km south east of Rethymno, between the villages of ancient and modern Eleftherna.
Eleftherna is one of the most important archaeological sites in Crete and provides important insight into the development of the settlement along the years. The occupation of the settlement apparently dates from the Prehistoric times and extends until the Early Christian era.
The first excavations were held by a British expedition in the late 1920's and the archaeologists were surprised by the vast findings that were uncovered. Since 1985, the University of Crete has benn excavating. Among the most important sites that were brought to light during these excavations, we can mention the ruins of Orthi Petra, Pyrgi and Katsivelos, which are situated on the slopes of Psiloritis, between two torrents that flow around its foot. The available potable water coming from these springs played a major role in the occupation of the place by it's agrarian citizens.
A cemetery dating from the Geometric Era and the Archaic Period was also brought to light as well as remains of some buildings and roads from the Hellenistic and Roman times. In addition, a three-aisled Basilica dating from the early Christian period, with a nice mosaic decoration, was found in Katsivelos.
Pyrgi, on the highest point, was probably the urban centre of this ancient settlement. The ruins of three buildings belonging to the Roman and Christian periods and a remarkable Hellenistic bridge with a pointed arch were found close to this site. In addition to all these, the archaeological site of Eleftherna also has some ruins of ancient walls as well as cemeteries, sanctuaries, an aqueduct, huge cisterns and paved Roman roads.
Eleftherna is one of the most important archaeological sites in Crete and provides important insight into the development of the settlement along the years. The occupation of the settlement apparently dates from the Prehistoric times and extends until the Early Christian era.
The first excavations were held by a British expedition in the late 1920's and the archaeologists were surprised by the vast findings that were uncovered. Since 1985, the University of Crete has benn excavating. Among the most important sites that were brought to light during these excavations, we can mention the ruins of Orthi Petra, Pyrgi and Katsivelos, which are situated on the slopes of Psiloritis, between two torrents that flow around its foot. The available potable water coming from these springs played a major role in the occupation of the place by it's agrarian citizens.
A cemetery dating from the Geometric Era and the Archaic Period was also brought to light as well as remains of some buildings and roads from the Hellenistic and Roman times. In addition, a three-aisled Basilica dating from the early Christian period, with a nice mosaic decoration, was found in Katsivelos.
Pyrgi, on the highest point, was probably the urban centre of this ancient settlement. The ruins of three buildings belonging to the Roman and Christian periods and a remarkable Hellenistic bridge with a pointed arch were found close to this site. In addition to all these, the archaeological site of Eleftherna also has some ruins of ancient walls as well as cemeteries, sanctuaries, an aqueduct, huge cisterns and paved Roman roads.
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