DK Travel : Crete : Gortys

Gortys

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The ruins of Gortys, in the middle of the fertile Messara plain, date from a much later era than Crete’s Minoan palaces. The large site, surrounded by trees, is less crowded than Crete’s other top archaeological attractions, though it is just as impressive. It was probably first settled by the Minoans, but flourished later during the period of the Dorian city-states in the 6th century BC. In the 2nd century BC, Gortys defeated its rival Phaestos to become the leading Cretan city.

Top 10 Sights

1. Basilica of Agios Titos

The impressive remains of the tree-aisled basilica indicate that Christianity was already well established on the island by the 5th century, when the basilica was built. It is named after St Titus (Agios Titos), who accompanied St Paul the Apostle to Crete in AD 59 and became the first bishop of Crete.
2. Roman Odeion and Code of Laws

Built into the walls of a Roman odeion are stone slabs inscribed with a code of laws, dating from about 500 BC. This is regarded as Gortys’ most significant archaeological feature.
3. Praetorium

A courtyard and stumps of marble columns are all that remain of the palace of the Roman governor of Crete and Libya.
4. Temple of Pythian Apollo

4. Temple of Pythian Apollo

Built in the 7th century BC, the temple had a monumental altar added in the Hellenistic period and was converted into a Christian church in the 2nd century AD.
5. Roman Baths

Remnants of the baths, which would have been a social hub of the Roman city, can be seen among olive groves south of the Praetorium.
6. Temple of Isis and Serapis

Ancient Crete had links with ancient Egypt, as shown by the remains of this temple dedicated to the Egyptian deities.
7. Museum

A collection of marble statuary unearthed at Gortys is on display in a small pavilion on the site, though many of the more impressive finds are held at the Irakleio Archaeological Museum. The onsite collection includes images of gods, emperors and Roman notables.
8. Roman Amphitheatre

8. Roman Amphitheatre

The Roman amphitheatre is surprisingly small for a settlement as important as Roman Gortys, but its tiers of stone seats are well preserved and it is easy to imagine it in use as a venue for drama, oratory or gladiatorial combat.
9. Roman Agora

An impressive statue of the god of healing, Asklepios (now in Irakleio Archaeological Museum), was discovered at the Roman Agora. The agora, or marketplace, was the heart of any ancient Greco-Roman city.
10. Acropolis (Kastro)

10. Acropolis (Kastro)

Outside the main site, formidable Roman ramparts and a small tower, known as the Kastro (“castle”) stand guard on a low hilltop. Come here for a bird’s-eye view of Gortys and the countryside.

Practical Information

To combine your visit to Gortys with an afternoon swim or an overnight stop, drive to Matala, 30 km (20 miles) east of Gortys, which has a fine sandy beach. Instead of using the rather spartan onsite cafeteria at Gortys, head for the nearby village of Agioi Deka, where there are several pleasant tavernas and a historic church. 1 km (half a mile) from Agioi Deka 28920 31144 8am–7pm daily Adm €2.00