These images are powered by
Agios Thomas (Saint Thomas) is one of the most impressive mountain villages of Crete, mainly due to the easily carvable rocks in the region. The area boasts incredible monuments of carved architecture, transporting us to ancient times with Minoan presses, Roman tombs, and cavernous temples. These features, combined with the breathtaking cliffs, natural caves, Byzantine churches, and lush green surroundings, create a magical landscape.
In the village of Agios Thomas, south of the church with the same name, a short path begins at the statue of local hero Demetrius Varouchas. After a 2-minute walk, we arrive at one of the most impressive archaeological sites of Crete, located at Gria Mandra.
At Gria Madra, numerous towering boulders are scattered throughout the area, with a trail weaving between them. Many of these rocks contain carved Roman tombs that remain in excellent condition, inspiring awe in all visitors. Around the Agios Thomas area, there are about 30 tombs.
En route to the abandoned settlement of Ardachthia, we encounter a rock covered in ivy and the carved cavernous chapel of Kera Spiliotissa. Inside a recess, about 15 meters after the church, archaeologists discovered a Greco-Roman inscription in 1910 that can still be seen today.
The inscription clearly states in Greek, “Dedicated to the goddesses Larkia Artemis, Demeter and Kori,” who were all deities of Hades. Residents of Agios Thomas claim that inside the church, there was once a chasm known as the Gate of Hades, which has since been covered with cement.
All of these findings suggest that Agios Thomas was a site for worshiping chthonic deities, or the deities of Hades. Even today, when someone from Agios Thomas passes away, their clothes are dropped into an underground river to transport them to the other world.
Get directions to Agios Thomas Roman Tombs
Find below the list of hotels near Agios Thomas Roman Tombs:
Boasting inner courtyard views, Xenios Dias features accommodation with a balcony and a kettle, around 31 km from Venetian Walls. It has a garden, a shared lounge, garden views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The holiday home features 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
The holiday home offers a picnic area. A car rental service is available at Xenios Dias, while hiking and walking tours can be enjoyed nearby.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 32 km from the accommodation, while The Palace of Knossos is 35 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 34 km from Xenios Dias.
Situated in Kerásia, 21 km from Venetian Walls and 22 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Lux Aprt in a Graphical Village features air-conditioned accommodation with a terrace and free WiFi. This apartment offers accommodation with a balcony.
This apartment features 1 bedroom, a kitchen with an oven and a toaster, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and 2 bathrooms fitted with an a bath or shower.
The Palace of Knossos is 25 km from the apartment, while Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 37 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 24 km from Lux Aprt in a Graphical Village.
from
€53
/night
Situated in Dhafnés, 18 km from Venetian Walls and 19 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Cozy studio in Dafnes near to Heraklion features air-conditioned accommodation with a patio and free WiFi. The property features garden and quiet street views, and is 22 km from The Palace of Knossos.
The apartment with a terrace and mountain views has 1 bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a fridge, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are available in the apartment.
The apartment offers a picnic area. A bicycle rental service is available at Cozy studio in Dafnes near to Heraklion.
Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 34 km from the accommodation, while Pankritio Stadium is 16 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 21 km from Cozy studio in Dafnes near to Heraklion.
from
€59
/night
Set in Síva, 19 km from Venetian Walls and 20 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Villa Lambraki offers air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. The property features quiet street views and is 23 km from The Palace of Knossos and 35 km from Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos.
The holiday home is fitted with 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
A car rental service is available at the holiday home.
Pankritio Stadium is 18 km from Villa Lambraki, while Stadium Theodoros Vardinogiannis is 18 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 23 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a free airport shuttle service.
from
€166
/night
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, mountain view and a terrace, Castello Villa Daphnes – Private Pool & Whirlpool is set in Dhafnés. Featuring pool and garden views, this villa also has free WiFi.
Featuring a DVD player, the villa has a kitchen with a dishwasher, an oven and a microwave, a living room with a seating area and a dining area, 4 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms with a walk-in shower and a bath. Towels and bed linen are featured in the villa.
The villa offers an outdoor fireplace. A car rental service is available at Castello Villa Daphnes – Private Pool & Whirlpool.
Venetian Walls is 18 km from the accommodation, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 19 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 21 km from Castello Villa Daphnes – Private Pool & Whirlpool.
from
€45
/night
Set 31 km from Venetian Walls, Draganigo Luxury Stone Houses 40 min from Matala offers accommodation with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a terrace and free shuttle service for your convenience. Free WiFi is availablethroughout the property.
Fitted with a patio, the units offer air conditioning and feature a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with walk-in shower and a hair dryer. An oven, a microwave and toaster are also featured, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
The villa offers a barbecue.
A car rental service is available at Draganigo Luxury Stone Houses 40 min from Matala.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 32 km from the accommodation, while The Palace of Knossos is 35 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 34 km from Draganigo Luxury Stone Houses 40 min from Matala, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€88
/night
© All rights reserved. Crete Locals
