Ancient Trypitos at Sitia
The archaeological site of Trypitos can be found on a small peninsula, 3km east of Sitia, close to the beach Karavopetra, which boasts a breathtaking view of Sitia city and its port. It is believed to be the ancient city of Sitia, Itia, which was initially one of the ports of Praesus. The city thrived during the Hellenistic period (350BC – 50BC).
In 1967, a shipshed (a building used for storing vessels) was discovered in a trench measuring 30m in length, 5.5m in width, and 5m in height. Due to this cavity, the site was given the name Trypitos (meaning hollow in Greek).
Archaeologist Nikolaos Papadakis began the first extensive excavations in 1987, and they are still ongoing. The city extends across the entire peninsula, with a strong wall protecting its southern side. Inside the walls, there were houses, public buildings, and streets. Numerous pottery works, jewelry, and coins from the city have been found in the area. In fact, while exploring the antiquities, you will come across many potsherds.
Location
Ancient Trypitos at Sitia is located at Ancient Trypitos at Sitia, in the Lassithi region of Crete. The map below shows the exact spot; Google Maps and Waze give turn-by-turn directions.
