Tomisti · CC BY-SA 4.0 Why visit
Ancient city in the Messara Plain, best known for the Gortyn Law Code and major Roman and early Christian remains. Gortyna rose to particular importance under Roman rule and became the capital of Crete and Cyrenaica. Earlier inscriptions preserve a celebrated fifth-century BCE law code, while the Roman city included monumental public buildings and later Christian basilicas. The visit is strongest when you focus on gortyn law code, odeon and basilica of st titus.
What you will see
- Gortyn Law Code.
- Odeon.
- Basilica of St Titus.
History
Gortyna rose to particular importance under Roman rule and became the capital of Crete and Cyrenaica. Earlier inscriptions preserve a celebrated fifth-century BCE law code, while the Roman city included monumental public buildings and later Christian basilicas.
Photographs
Tomisti · CC BY-SA 4.0 · full attribution on the image credits page.
Visitor tips
- 1
Prioritise Gortyn Law Code if you have less time than the full suggested visit.
- 2
Leave enough time for Odeon rather than treating Ancient Gortyna as a quick photo stop.
- 3
Check the current island transport or ferry plan before fixing the day around Agioi Deka; seasonal services and final local connections can change.
About Crete
Minoan palaces, Venetian harbour cities, mountain gorges, monasteries and distinctive beaches.
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