Eleftherna, also known as Apollonia, was an ancient Greek city – state, discovered by archaeologists in the Northern foothills of mount IDA (the highest mountain of Crete), at an altitude of 380 m above sea level, approximately 25-30 km South of Rethymno. This city is known as the birthplace of the philosopher Diogenes, sculptor Timocharis, the ancient Greek poets set to go and Amicore.

The ancient settlement of Eleftherna was founded by the Dorians in the 9th century BC on steep natural-fortified hill. The city developed rapidly and has had a huge influence in the ancient world. It was located on the crossroads between Cydonia and Knossos controlled by Eleftherna, the ports Stavromenos and Panormos and the Shrine on top of mount IDA. Thanks to its strategic position and natural resources Eleftherna flourished. Haven't lost a city and its influence after the conquest of Crete by the Romans in 67 BC this is evidenced by discovered during excavations of houses, Roman baths and various public facilities. In 365, a significant part of it was destroyed. It is known that in the 7th century Bishop Euphrates built a large Christian Basilica. The settlement existed until the middle ages, but gradually fell into disrepair and was abandoned.

The first archaeological excavations of this area was conducted by the British archaeological school of Athens in 1929. Systematic research began in 1984 under the direction of archaeologists in the University of Crete. Were discovered important archaeological sites, ranging from geometric to early Byzantine period, as well as proof of the existence of a settlement here in the period of the Minoan civilization (3rd Millennium BC). A huge number of artifacts found here were recognized by the scientific community as a unique and Ancient Eleftherna is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world.