Ancient Eleutherna & Museum
Αρχαία Ελεύθερνα
A Dorian to Roman ancient city on the northern slopes of Mount Ida. Its cemetery yielded Geometric-period aristocratic tombs and the “Goddess of Eleutherna,” displayed in a site museum that opened in 2016.
Eleutherna was an important city-state from the Iron Age through the Byzantine period on Crete. Its main attractions include a Roman cistern, the ruins of the ancient acropolis, a Hellenistic stone arch bridge, and the Orthi Petra cemetery, which holds the cremation tombs of Homeric-era warriors. The Museum of Ancient Eleutherna next to the site is one of Crete's best new museums, with clear displays and English labels. Entry costs about €6, and it is often closed on Tuesdays. The site spreads across valleys on both sides, and the paths are steep, so bring water and sun protection. It is about 30 km from Rethymno and can be visited together with the Arkadi Monastery and Margarites.
Opening hours
Museum about 08:30–15:30 (often closed Tuesdays); site open during the day
Nearby sights
- Margarites
- Arkadi Monastery
- Melidoni Cave
- Bali
- Rethymno Beach
- Idaean Cave & Nida Plateau
- Venetian Harbour & Lighthouse of Rethymno
- Neratze Mosque