Sanctuary of Hermes and Aphrodite
Place description
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.
Review stats
Sanctuary of Hermes and Aphrodite has received 0 reviews with an average rating of out of 5
User reviews
Stays near Sanctuary of Hermes and Aphrodite
- Katy Symi
Located in Káto Sími in the Crete region, Akros Oreon Junior Suite Amori has a patio and garden views. It features barbecue facilities, mountain views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The kitchen is equipped with a toaster, a fridge and a stovetop and there is shower with bathrobes and a hair dryer.
Cycling and hiking can be enjoyed nearby.
The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 65 km from the apartment.
from
€93
/night
- 2.1 km
- 6.9 / 10
- Kato Symi
Akros Oreon Apartment Afentis is located in Káto Sími and offers barbecue facilities. This apartment provides free private parking, bicycle parking and free WiFi.
Providing a patio with mountain views, this apartment also offers a well-equipped kitchen with a toaster, a fridge and a stovetop, as well as 1 bathroom with a shower and bathrobes.
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.
- 2.1 km
- 9 / 10
- Kato Symi
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
- 2.1 km
- Kato Symi
Akros Oreon Apartment Voliares is located in Káto Sími and offers barbecue facilities. This apartment provides free private parking, bicycle parking and free WiFi.
Providing a patio with mountain views, this apartment also offers a well-equipped kitchen with a toaster, a fridge and a stovetop, as well as 1 bathroom with a shower and bathrobes.
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
€93
/night
- 2.1 km
- Kato Symi
Located in Káto Sími in the Crete region, Akros Oreon Lapatho studio has a patio and garden views. It features barbecue facilities, mountain views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The kitchen is equipped with 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
- 2.1 km
- 7.9 / 10
- Agia 10
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, sea view and a terrace, Comfortable Family House nearby Mirtos is set in Gdhókhia. Featuring mountain and pool views, this holiday home also features free WiFi.
The holiday home is fitted with 3 bedrooms, a kitchen with oven and fridge, and 1 bathroom with a shower, a hair dryer and a washing machine.
If you would like to discover the area, hiking is possible in the surroundings and the holiday home can arrange a car rental service.
The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 72 km from Comfortable Family House nearby Mirtos.
- 6.3 km
- 8.4 / 10
- Επαρχιακή Οδός Καλλονής - Γδόχια
Seli Sea View Apartments and Studios has sea views, free WiFi and free private parking, set in Vakhós, 48 km from Acqua Plus Waterpark.
Fitted with a balcony, the units offer air conditioning and feature a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a hair dryer. There is also a kitchen in some of the units equipped with a dishwasher.
A car rental service is available at the apartment.
The Crete Golf Club is 49 km from Seli Sea View Apartments and Studios, while Labyrinth Park is 50 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 58 km from the accommodation.
from
€92
/night
- 6.5 km
- 8.8 / 10
- Mithos, Mirtos
Set amidst olive groves, Sarakina’s Home is set in Míthoi and boasts scenic panoramic views of the surrounding area. Free WiFi is provided throughout.
Fitted with wooden ceilings, all units have a seating area. There is also a fully equipped kitchen fitted with a microwave and oven. A stovetop is also available, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle. Every unit features a private bathroom with a hairdryer. Towels and bed linen are provided in this pet-friendly accommodation.
Sarakina’s Home also includes a sun terrace and a private pool. The area is popular for cycling and hiking. Myrtos Beach is 5 km away. The lively Mália is 30 km from Sarakina’s Home while Hersonissos is at 36 km. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 50 km from Sarakina’s Home. Free private parking is possible on site.
from
€63
/night
- 6.8 km
Things to do near Sanctuary of Hermes and Aphrodite
- 16.5 km
Explore other places near Sanctuary of Hermes and Aphrodite
- 2.1 km
- ( 4.7 ) / 5
- 4.7 km
- Restaurants
- ( 4.7 ) / 5
- 7.4 km
- Restaurants
- ( 4.4 ) / 5
- 7.4 km
- ( 4.5 ) / 5
- 7.4 km
- Monasteries
- 8.0 km
- ( 4.8 ) / 5
