Rethymno encompasses an area with a landscape as varied as you go from the coast line to the mountain inland. From the full of multicultural historic beauty of the Rethymno’s old town to the Venetian monuments spread all over the region, Rethymno has several natural and archaeological attractions. Each offers an exceptional experience that can be appreciated by people of all ages.
Ancient Eleftherna
12 km northeast you will come across a place of natural beauty and archaeological significance, Ancient Eleutherna. The archaeological site is located on the serrated ridge of Psiloritis mountain, at a height of 380 m. The archaeologists brought to light findings of great importance referring to a part of an ancient settlement of several eras that includes prehistoric, Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. On the west side of the hill, visitors of the museum will have the opportunity to see a necropolis of the geometric and archaic era. The exhibition within the museum is very significant and at the same time supported by the newest technological equipment. At the entrance of the museum, you will find touch screens installed, with information for the visitors.
- Museum of Ancient Eleutherna - Opening hours:
- November-March: Tuesday-Sunday, 8:00 -15:00.
- Ticket: 2€, April-October: Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00-18-00.
- Ticket: 4€,, 2€ (reduced price)
- Tel. and fax: 28340 92501
- E-mail: [email protected]
- Web site: www.mae.com.gr
*Bus line schedule: from Rethymno Bus Station at 10.00, 11.00, 13.30 and 14.30, from the Museum at 10:45, 11:45, 14:15 and 15:15
The Armeni Late Minoan cementery
The Armeni Late Minoan cemetery is located near Rethymno. The village of Armeni is 11 km far from Rethymno. It is located in the valley of Armenokampos at the foot of Vrissinas Mountain. The area was first inhabited by Armenian soldiers who came with Nikiforos Fokas to liberate Crete (961 AD). In the past, the villagers’ main occupation was the collection of acorns, which were used for tannery. Near the Armeni village there is an oak forest with a late Minoan cemetery (13th-12th century BC). It is located at Prinokefala site, on the crossroad towards Somatas village. The necropolis is the larger cemetery of carved graves in Crete. There are several studies about the findings of the cemetery, revealing facts about ancient people’s diets and customs.
- Opening hours: 8:00-15:00, except Monday
- Ticket: 2€, reduced price 1€
- e-mail: [email protected]
- Tel: +30 2831054668
- Web site:odysseus.culture.gr
Onithe – Goulediana
In the plateau of Vrissinas, just 18 km from the city of Rethymno, is the ancient city that seems to be located to the south east part of the territory of the ancient Rithymna. At the entrance of the plateau, there is a small settlement, which consists of scattered, stone-built houses. The prosperity of the city is dated back to the Archaic period (7th-6th century BC), but there are also traces of human presence from the Neolithic era (4th millennium BC). The houses, which are visible today, are folk architecture and are characterized by elements of the Venetian and Ottoman period. The creation of this settlement is dated at the 16th-17th century approximately.
- Daily visit-No entrance fee
Argiroupoli – Agies Pente Parthenes (Holy Five Virgins)
In the north-west of Argiroupoli, at 1 km distance, there are five tombs in a cave, where Agies Pente Parthenes (Five Virgins) were believed to be buried after martyring in the years of Roman emperor Decius, in 250 AD approximately. On the tombs, from which holy water comes out, a small church has been built and is dedicated to Agies Pente Parthenes. Archaeological findings support the view that this place was a family tomb-mausoleum of the Roman period. An extensive cemetery dating back to the Roman years has been discovered in recent years. The rich findings of the excavations and, also, those that had been collected before systematic excavations started, among which are two marble statues and a copper statuette, are now exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno. You may also visit the water springs and admire the rich flora of the location.
- Daily visit-No entrance fee
