Lassithi Archaeological Site of Pyrgos Myrtos

Location: Myrtos

Located close to the Myrtos village in the municipality of Ierapetra, the Pyrgos Archaeological Site is a Minoan settlement with a long history. Thanks to its advantageous location, it affords great views of the Libyan Sea to the south and the wooded slopes of the Dikti mountain range to the north.

The settlement was founded around 3000 BC, during the early Minoan era, at about the same time as the nearby settlement at Fournou Korifi. Both were destroyed by fire in 2160 BC and were later rebuilt. Pyrgos functioned as an administrative center and is a prime example of what a Minoan administrative center looked like. It presents several typical features of Minoan engineering, such as drainage systems, cobblestone floors, paths, and square foundations for the main building.

Among the findings are the ruins of a Late Minoan farmhouse, which must have been used for the supervision of the local agricultural production. It is believed to have been three-story and consisted of 9 rooms, including basements, antechambers, and storehouses.

Archaeological research has also revealed a monumental tomb, which yielded significant findings, such as pottery, knives, daggers and triton shells. One of the most beautiful pieces discovered there is a bell-shaped jar depicting a goddess, which is now exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos. Visitors can also see the remnants of baths and mosaics from the Roman era. A short path leads to the top of the hill, which is the most impressive point of the settlement.