Travel to the archaeological site of Gortyna, once the powerful Roman capital of Crete and Cyrenaica, on a private historical tour guided by Apostolis Panigirakis, a licensed tourist guide and professional historian accredited by the Greek Ministry of Tourism and Culture.
Set in the lush Messara plain of southern Crete, Gortyna is one of the island’s most significant — yet often overlooked — ancient cities, inhabited from the Minoan period through the Roman and early Christian eras. As you walk among the sprawling ruins, Apostolis will guide you through Gortyna’s multi-layered past, explaining its rise as a major Roman administrative center and its deep connections to law, governance, and religion.
Marvel at the famous Gortyn Law Code, Europe’s oldest known written legal text, inscribed on a massive stone wall in Doric Greek. Visit the remains of the Roman Odeon, temples, basilicas, baths, and the Praetorium, and hear the story of St. Titus, Crete’s patron saint, who brought Christianity to the island during Roman times.
Highlights:
Private guided tour of Gortyna, Crete’s ancient legal and political capital
Insightful storytelling by Apostolis Panigirakis, licensed historian and expert in Greco-Roman Crete- Guided Tour to the Archaeological Museum of Messara
See the Gortyn Law Code, the oldest surviving legal inscription in Europe
Explore Roman and early Christian ruins, including temples, churches, public buildings, and more
Learn about Roman rule, early Christianity, and the cultural transformation of Crete over the centuries
Optional transport available from Chania, Rethymno, or Heraklion
Perfect for archaeology lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone looking to explore the intellectual and spiritual roots of Crete beyond the usual tourist routes.
This tour is available
throughout the year, in every season, and operates daily by request as a
regular tour or as a shore excursion from Souda Bay cruise harbour.
Whether
you’re visiting Crete in the height of summer or the quieter months of
winter, you can experience this deeply informative and moving historical
journey at a time that suits your travel plans. Private and small-group
bookings are welcome, with flexible scheduling to accommodate your
needs.
Contact me on WhatsApp at +306983705318 for further details