Ancient city Eleftherna
Ancient city Eleftherna is located at the northwest slopes of mountain Ida at an altitude of approx. 380m, 30km south from Rethymno city. The ruins in the site reflect the different historical periods of the city.
According to the myths, the city was named after Elefthereas, one of the Kouretes, the protectors of young Zeus, or after goddess Demeter and her epithet “Eleftho” (goddess of childbirth). The ancient city was mainly built on the two hills “Nisi” and “Pirgi”. The settlement on “Nisi” flourished during the Hellenistic period.