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The Sanctuary of Hermes and Aphrodite can be found in a stunning location in the southern part of the Dikti mountain range, at an altitude of 1150m, near the Krya Vrysi spring, and about 5 km northeast of the village Kato Symi. The site spans 1.7 hectares, with only a portion having been excavated. To this day, it remains the most significant archaeological site in the Viannos province. Established around 2000 BC, like many other Minoan Peak Sanctuaries in Eastern Crete, worship at this sanctuary continued until Roman times, making it one of the most enduring sanctuaries of Greek Antiquity. Hermes was worshipped from the 7th century BC, while Aphrodite was worshipped during the Hellenistic Times (around 330BC). In the early Christian era, a small chapel was built at the site.
The sanctuary’s location is associated with the Ieron Oros (Holy Mountain), as according to Ptolemy, it was situated between the ancient Tsoutsouras (Inatos) and the ancient Ierapetra (Ierapytna). Due to its immense importance, it is believed to have been a point of contention among various powerful cities in the region. However, the respect that everyone had for the sanctuary is evident in the fact that it was never destroyed by vandalism, but only by natural causes.
Most archaeological findings from the 11th century BC include evidence of animal sacrifice and religious feasts, while animal replicas, tubular utensils, plates with male figures carrying or leading animals, clay cups, three swords, a golden ring-seal depicting a runner, and a hieroglyphic plate were discovered in the ashes. Ritual vessels and utensils do not display the typical female figures of the Minoans, so it has not been determined which deities the sanctuary was dedicated to during the Minoan times. After the 11th century BC, the vessels were replaced by figurines whose main theme was the coming of age of the visitors. According to inscriptions found at the sanctuary, the patron saint of adulthood was Hermes Kedritis, who was worshipped alongside the goddess Aphrodite. The most significant findings from the sanctuary are exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.
Excavations began in 1972 and continue sporadically. The site can be visited after contacting the guard. A forest dirt road leading to the sanctuary starts from Kato Symi and goes towards the Lapathos plateau.
Get directions to Sanctuary of Hermes and Aphrodite
Find below the list of hotels near Sanctuary of Hermes and Aphrodite:
Akros Oreon, Omalos Studio is situated in Káto Sími and offers barbecue facilities. This property offers access to a patio, free private parking and free WiFi.
The kitchen features a toaster, a fridge and a stovetop and there is shower with bathrobes and a hair dryer.
If you would like to discover the area, cycling and hiking are possible in the surroundings.
The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 65 km from the apartment.
from
€86
/night
Mala Villa is situated in Ierapetra, one of the most graphic mountainous villages, on the slopes of Diktis, in the prefecture of Lasithi.
Luxury meets the true Cretan beauty in the imposing Mala Villa. All rooms are well appointed featuring a balcony with view to the Libyan Sea, private hot tub, kitchenette and TV. Some units are fitted with a fireplace.
Mala Villa offers a 24 hour front desk service as well as wireless internet access. The hotel’s restaurant serves local Cretan Cuisine, enjoying panoramic sea views.
A remarkable site of the village is the church of the Virgin Mary built in 1431.
Set in Psari Forada, within a few steps of Sidonia Beach, Stella’s Beach House offers accommodation with air conditioning. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony and free WiFi.
The apartment with a terrace and sea views features 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a fridge, and 2 bathrooms with a shower. Towels and bed linen are featured in the apartment.
The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 75 km from the apartment.
from
€144
/night
OMythos features garden views, free WiFi and free private parking, located in Míthoi, 40 km from Lake Voulismeni.
The villa provides guests with a terrace, mountain views, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a toaster, and a private bathroom with shower and slippers. A fridge, a stovetop and kitchenware are also provided, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
An à la carte breakfast is available daily at OMythos.
Guests at the accommodation can enjoy cycling and hiking nearby, or make the most of the garden.
Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 39 km from OMythos, while Agios Nikolaos Port is 40 km away. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 76 km from the villa.
Set a few steps from Sidonia Beach, Eirini Apts On the beach offers a garden, and air-conditioned accommodation with a terrace and free WiFi.
The accommodation comes with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with shower and a hair dryer, while the kitchen features an oven, a fridge and a stovetop. Kitchenware and kettle are also featured.
The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 75 km from the apartment.
Only 250 metres from the nearest beach, Villa Aliki is located in Mirtos of Crete Island. From the spacious terraces, you will enjoy sea views, while free WiFi connection is available.
Villa Aliki offers apartments with 1 or 2 bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and living room with a flat-screen, satellite TV. Bed linen and towels, as well as ceiling fans are included.
Car hire is available at the property and the area is popular for snorkelling. A range of activities are offered in the area, such as diving and cycling. Malia is 50 km from Villa Aliki, while Elounda is 36 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 80 km from Villa Aliki.
from
€75
/night
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