Eleftherna, also known as Apollonia - the ancient Greek city-state, discovered by archaeologists on the northern foothills of Mount Ida (the highest peak of the island of Crete), at an altitude of 380 m above sea level, about 25-30 km south of Rethymnon. This city is known as the birthplace of the philosopher Diogenes, sculptor Timocharis, Greek poets and Linos Amitora.

Eleftherna The ancient settlement was founded by the Dorians in the 9th century BC on the steep natural fortified hill. The city developed rapidly and had an enormous influence in the ancient world. It was located at the crossroads between Cydonia and Knossos, controlled Eleutherna ports Stavromenom and Panormos, as well as the sanctuary on top of Mount Ida. Due to its strategic position and natural resources Eleutherna flourished. Not lost its influence and the city after the conquest of Crete by the Romans in 67 BC This is evidenced by found during excavations of the rich houses, the Roman baths and a variety of public works. In 365, a significant part of it was destroyed. It is known that in the 7th century bishop Eufratas built the largest Christian basilica. The settlement existed until the Middle Ages, but gradually fell into disrepair and was abandoned.

The first archaeological excavations were carried out of the area British School of Archaeology in Athens in 1929. Systematic research began in 1984 under the supervision of archaeologists of the University of Crete. It was found important archaeological sites, since geometrical and until the early Byzantine period, as well as proving the existence of a settlement here in the period of the Minoan civilization (3rd millennium BC). A huge number of artefacts found here have been recognized by the scientific community as unique and ancient Eleftherna - one of the most important archaeological sites in the world.