Itanos ancient city is a
highly important archaeological site due to its long history, located at the
base of Akrotiri Iron in the most northeastern tip of Crete.
Although
currently uninhabited, ancient Itanos was one of the strongest cities in Crete,
especially in the Hellenistic and Greco-Roman times. Itanos was a major port
and station of transit trade between East and Crete.
The city
grew rich from the glass handicrafts, fisheries and trade of Tyrian purple - the
red dye derived from shell extract.
The power of Itanos expressed by the
imposing marble buildings, temples (Asklepios, Zeus, Tyche, Athena) and cutting
its own currency face the protector of Athena.
Today,
visitors can walk through the city and admire the various ruins, such as the large
tower on the west acropolis, the large Christian church in eastern citadel of
the Hellenistic settlement, the two Early Christian churches at the foot of the
hill leading to Vai and the cemetery outside the city.
Also, the
area around Itanos offers the possibility for visitors to enjoy sandy beaches,
crystal clear sea waters and a panorama of rare natural beauty.
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