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The ancient site of Eleftherna is situated 25km southeast of Rethymno and in close proximity to the Monastery of Arkadi. It is the most significant archaeological location in the Rethymno prefecture, with many areas still to be excavated. The University of Crete began the first organized excavations in 1985.
Eleftherna was established by the Dorians around the 9th century BC and was inhabited until the early Byzantine years. Its strategic location at an altitude of 380m, with roads connecting it to ancient Kydonia, Knossos, and Ida Mount, contributed to its long history. Findings have been discovered in three different positions on the same hill.
During the first Cretan War (205BC-200BC), Eleftherna sided with Macedonia against Knossos. The town resisted the Roman occupation, led by general Quintus Caecilius Metellus, until it eventually fell by treachery. In the Roman period, the city continued to prosper, with the construction of baths, cisterns, villas, public buildings, and towers. The Byzantine era marked the last period of the city before its destruction by the Arabs. It became a Diocese, and the great basilica, of which remains still stand today, was built. The significance of Eleftherna as an archaeological site led to the creation of the Archaeological Museum of Eleftherna above the site.
At the Orthi Petra position, a necropolis was discovered, becoming the most important part of Eleftherna with numerous findings (and still being excavated). Here, archaeologists found the “tomb of warriors” containing 480 vases, weapons, and the trench of warriors killed in battle.
In 2010, archaeologists discovered an unlooted tomb from 700BC. The tomb was a large lying jar, with its entrance blocked by an 800kg boulder. Inside the jar were the bones of a young couple, possibly siblings, covered with a gold cap made of 3000 gold sheets of different shapes. The girl wore gold jewelry depicting a bee, the first representation of a bee as a goddess in Crete. Interestingly, when the jewelry is turned upside down, the bee disappears, and a beautiful lily takes its place. In another jar, archaeologists found a golden, real-size eye among the bones. They named it “Tutankhamun’s eye” as it is identical to the one in the funerary mask of the Egyptian King.
Get directions to Ancient Eleftherna
Find below the list of hotels near Ancient Eleftherna:
Located in Áno Tripódhon and only 5.6 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna, The Quintessential Cretan Villa provides accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. The property was built in 1986 and features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
The villa is equipped with 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
The villa offers a picnic area. Guests can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool and garden at The Quintessential Cretan Villa.
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 27 km from the accommodation, while Psiloritis National Park is 38 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 65 km from The Quintessential Cretan Villa.
Arches Eleftherna features mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking, set in Elefterna, 2.4 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna.
All units come with a seating area, a TV with streaming services and a private bathroom with a hair dryer and walk-in shower. Some units feature a terrace and/or a balcony with sea or garden views.
The apartment offers a picnic area.
A a baby safety gate is also available at Arches Eleftherna, while guests can also relax in the garden.
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 27 km from the accommodation, while Psiloritis National Park is 34 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 69 km from Arches Eleftherna.
Set in Margarítai, Villa Dim – With Private Pool offers accommodation with a private pool. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The air-conditioned villa consists of 2 bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a coffee machine, and 2 bathrooms with a bath and a hair dryer. Towels and bed linen are offered in the villa.
Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 5.4 km from the villa, while Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 28 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 65 km from Villa Dim – With Private Pool.
from
€243
/night
Situated in Elefterna, 400 metres from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna, Grand Resort Villa features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. This villa features a private pool, a garden and free private parking.
The villa has 5 bedrooms, a TV with satellite channels, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 4 bathrooms with a shower. Towels and bed linen are offered.
The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 65 km from the villa.
from
€57
/night
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, Dim Art Traditional Villa – with private pool is located in Áno Tripódhon. The accommodation is 5.4 km from the Museum of Ancient Eleftherna and has free WiFithroughout the property.
The villa with a balcony and mountain views features 6 bedrooms, a living room, a TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a microwave, and 3 bathrooms with a bath. Towels and bed linen are featured in the villa.
Guests can also relax in the garden.
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 28 km from the villa, while Psiloritis National Park is 37 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 65 km from Dim Art Traditional Villa – with private pool.
Boasting garden views, Villa Mesogea offers accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 5.2 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna. It has a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a garden, pool views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The villa is fitted with 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with mountain views.
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 28 km from the villa, while Psiloritis National Park is 37 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 66 km from Villa Mesogea.
from
€264
/night
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