Editor: Niki Kalopaidis
Lasithi
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF MYRTO
To the west of Ierapetra is the coastal village of Myrtos. It got its name from Myrtia (or Myrthia) that grows in the area. The archaeological dig brought to light an important Proto-Minoan settlement (2800-2200 BC) at the "Fourno Korifi" location, 3.5 km from the current village, on a hill 66 m high. The finds are very remarkable and include, among other things, vases, objects of daily use, ovens for baking clay figurines as well as a number of votive offerings. Among the best-known finds is the clay bell-shaped vase that represents the "Goddess of Myrtle" holding a small pitcher. East of Myrtos, at the location "Pyrgos" a Late Minoan era building was discovered, while to the west parts of buildings, baths and mosaics from the Roman era can be seen.