Points of interest

Archaeological sites
Archaeological site of Levina

The archaeological site is in Lendas in the south of Asterousia. The city of ancient Levina was an important commercial centre and the seaport of Gortys, the capital of the island, during Roman times. It flourished during the Hellenistic and Roman times, but there are also remains dating back to Minoan times.

The sanctuary of Asclepius was built there in the 4th century B.C., close to a thermal spring with healing properties for blood diseases. It became an important religious and therapeutic centre for the city for over six centuries.

On a flat surface, you can see the remains of the sanctuary: the temple, two stoas, a treasury, and a spring at the eastern end. The inscriptions found within the sanctuary identify it as a temple of Asclepius. The temple was built in the southwest end of the flat surface and its walls are preserved at a height of 3.40m. The western stoa included auxiliary spaces and a mosaic floor from the Hellenistic period. Of note is the treasury, a crypt with a cover and secured entrance, where the people of the sanctuary kept the precious offerings.

Near the sanctuary, archaeologists found an early Christian three-aisled basilica from the 5th century AD. It was rebuilt in the 6th century and permanently abandoned after the area was destroyed in the 7th century. On its ruins, a small single-domed church dedicated to Agios Ioannis Theologos was built in the 19th century.

The project is implemented through the Regional Development Fund of Crete
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