Crete Attractions
Gortyna © skuds
Gortyna
The remains of Gortyna to the south of Heraklion tell a later
tale than that of the other archaeological sites in Crete,
particularly the important inscribed stones, known as the Gortyn
Law Code, dating back to the 5th century BC: a complete code of law
based on Minoan tradition. The Code stones are still preserved and
exhibited in the north round wall of the Roman Odeon at the Gortyna
site (although of course the theatre was built much later in the
1st century AD). Other highlights at Gortyna (which was capital of
Roman Crete and Cyrene) include the Church of St Titus, where
Christianity was first introduced to the island and the Temple of
Apollo Pythios, dating from 700 BC.
Address: Aghioi Deka;
Telephone: 289 203 1144;
Opening time: Daily 8.30am to 8pm;
Admission: €4, under 19s free.
