Archaeological Site of Gournia

The archaeological site of Gournia can be found on a hill to the west of Pachia Ammos, near the road that connects Agios Nikolaos to Ierapetra, approximately 19km east of Agios Nikolaos. This city, which thrived during the Minoan period, is regarded as the most comprehensively excavated Minoan town on Crete. Due to its excellent preservation, it has been dubbed the “Pompeii of Crete“. The excavation of Gournia was carried out by an American Archaeology Group, led by Harriet Boyd, between 1901 and 1904.

The city seems to have prospered between 1550-1450BC, before being destroyed by an earthquake in 1450BC and ultimately abandoned around 1200BC. Its true name remains unknown, with the name Gournia being derived from the stone and wooden bowls – basins (urns) that were discovered at the archaeological site prior to the excavations.

Visitors can enjoy strolling along the paved streets of the archaeological site and getting a sense of what a small Minoan town was like. Excavations have uncovered houses, walls, stairs leading to second floors, storage rooms, and workshops. The discovery of various tools (such as chisels, hooks, hammers, and pots) helps us to envision the daily life of the Minoans. Notably, there was also a sewerage system in place.

At the summit of the hill, a small palace has been discovered, along with a large courtyard (believed to be the market), a primitive theater, and a temple dedicated to the goddess of snakes. The cemetery of Gournia was found in the Sfougaras area, quite close to the beaches of Kamini.