Gortyn, known as Gortys in the olden times, and was once a very important Roman town of Crete, it is believed that Zeus brought Europa to Gortyn after abducting her. The town was named Gortyn after the brave hero Gortyn who was the son of Minos's brother Rhadamanthys, the ruins of Gortyn shows it's rich history, the Apostle Titus was known to of preached Christianity in this town.

There were Ten Saints martyred here in 250 AD, Gortyn was later destroyed by the Arabs in 824 AD, Gortyn has various ruins including those of the amphitheatre Odeon. The ruins of Christian Basilica of St. Titus are also preserved and there are various other sculptures.