| We called this tour the Crete Cultural Tour because you will see Crete's cultural highlights:
1. The archaeological excavation of „Gortys“ 2. The archaeological excavation of „Phaistos or „Festos“ 3. Matala and the caves of „Matala“ |
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| This tour begins at the northern highway of Heraklion towards the south coast, mainstream to Siva and Agia Varvara. On this highway towards the south coast you will see the scenic attractions of the Messara Plateau and at the end on the southern coast of Crete you will see a fantastic sandy beach and the village of Matala. Following this highway from Heraklion towards the south coast you will first pass the biggest Cretan wine-growing district of Archanes. This beauty spot is located at the foot of the Messara Plateau. On the Messara Plateau you will see alpine scenery. After passing the plateau there follows a big archaeological excavation called Agia Deka and Gortys. Gortys is one of the most important historical towns in Crete with a history of 6,000 years and one of the most extensive archaeological sites in Greece. It was the site of the first human habitation of Crete at the end of the Neolithic period (5th millennium B.C.). The same road will take you to Phaistos and Matala. |  |
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| In the 2nd century AD Gortys reached the peak of its power. The final period of glory was in the Christian period in the 7th century A.D. Gortys had a large population after the Roman conquest of Crete in 67 BC but in 796 AD the city was hit by an earthquake which almost destroyed it. Then the capital was transferred to Heraklion. The greatest highlight of Gortys is "The Law Code of Gortys” which is also known as the "Queen Of INSCRRIPTIOS”. The code dates from the mid 5th century which covers a phenomenal variety of laws. Adoption rules, marriage, divorce, inheritance rights, the social status and treatment of slaves, as well as the sale and acquirement of property are all involved in the code. The "Law Code of Gortys" is deemed to be one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of our time. For me it was the most impressive archaeological excavation I have ever seen. Upon finishing our sightseeing we continue our tour to Phaistos. |   |
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