Polyrrhenia - 99 Holy Fathers of Crete

Polyrrhenia was an ancient city south of Kissamos Bay, located on a steep hill near the modern village of Polyrinia.

Polyrrhenia is referred to as a polis in ancient sources. The oldest remains date from around 900 BC. The city supported the Romans and was therefore spared when they conquered Crete. The city continued to exist under Roman rule but declined in importance in the 1st century. From the middle of the 1st century AD, the city no longer minted its own coins and was later abandoned..

Archaeological excavations have been taking place since 1985. The remains lie on a double hill that forms the acropolis. The slopes are littered with the remains of houses, cisterns, and tombs. There are remains of a Roman temple. In total, the city covered about 30 hectares.

The church dedicated to the 99 Holy Fathers of Crete was erected within the ruins. Stones from the former polis were used in the construction of the church. Various inscriptions from the city are embedded in the walls.