Archaeological Site Of Gournia (Pachia Ammos)

  Overview:

Gournia – the ancient name of which is not known – is the most characteristic of the excavated medium-size settlements, dated to the period of the peak of the Minoan culture (Late Minoan I period: 1550-1450 B.C.). It is called “Pompeii of Minoan Crete” because of the good state of preservation. It occupies a low hill, close to the sea, at the Isthmus of Ierapetra. The first inhabitants settled here in the Early Minoan III period (2300 B.C.). Remains of the Middle Minoan period (2000-1600 B.C.) are also preserved; in c. 1600 B.C., the palace was erected but was destroyed along with the surrounding town in 1450 B.C., at the same time with all the other palatial centers of Crete. Fifty years later the site was partly reoccupied and was finally abandoned in around 1200 B.C.

The excavations in Gournia were carried out in 1901-1904 by the American archaeologist Harriet Boyd-Hawes and her colleagues, who were urged by the discovery of a sealstone in the site. The ruins of the settlement were visible before the excavation – hence the name “Gournia” given by the villagers because of the stone basins (“gournes” in Greek) preserved in the area.

How to get there:
The site can easily be found, right on the National road Agios Nikolaos-Sitia, a little before the village Pachia Ammos. It’s visible from the National road, on your right-hand side.

  Address:

Gournia

 Location:

Pachia Ammos, Lasithi

  Telephone:

(+30) 2842093028

  Fax:

(+30) 2842025115

  E-mail:

[email protected]

 Url:

www.culture.gr

  Operating Period:

JAN-DEC

  Operating Days & Hours:

Winter period (1st of November – 31st of March):
08:30 – 15:30

Summer period (1st of April – 31st of October):
08:30 – 15:30

Tuesday: closed

  Admission Fee:

• Full: €3, Reduced: €2

  Notes:

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* The above information, are subject to change without prior notification from the institution. In any case, visitcrete.com has no responsibilities for any occurred changes.