My ancient Greek professor in Albuquerque has wanted me to visit this site for years since she has written a book on Aphrodite ! It is a spectacular location. The ruins are not usually open to the public. But the geocache can be found outside the fence. Walk around clockwise past the main gate to the spring on the east side. The best views of the ruins are obtained from this spot. Note added 10/2014: you may have to walk around in the opposite direction if there are still beehives placed on the upper slope. If so, increase the terrain level by a full point !
A snippet of description from the Blue Guide to Crete :
Situated at 1200m on the slopes of Mt Dikte, in a spectacular natural setting, the Sanctuary of Hermes and Aphrodite affords superb views down to the south coast and the sea. The nearby spring immediately to the east explains why it is also known as Krya Vrysi (cold spring). The sanctuary associated with this water source occupies several terraces across the natural amphitheatre on the mountainside. It was excavated by Angelika Lebessi in the 1970s and it is now being investigated by the Greek Archaeological Service. It is extremely significant that such an isolated spot should continue as a cult centre from the Old Palace period to Roman times, for well over 2000 years. The first sign of activity goes back to MM II and was followed by developments dated MM III. The paved, open-air sacred enclosure of this latter phase was extended in the Geometric period to include a monumental altar and in Roman times a temple was built.
Huge quantities of finds accumulated over the centuries. The Minoans left stone offering-tables, many inscribed with Linear A, stone vases and clay and bronze figurines. Three bronze swords with incised decoration have a Postpalatial date. From the Iron Age come a number of bronze cut-out plaques (a selection of these is displayed in the Temporary Exhibition at Herakleion Archaeological Museum). These are similar to the gold ones found on Mt Ida and were hammered on a leather or wood support to create a votive tablet with a pseudo low relief. The worship of Hermes and of Aphrodite is attested by ex-votos, by a stone inscription and by graffiti on the tiles of the house shrine of the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Hermes was worshipped as Hermes Dendrites, 'Hermes of the Trees', and indeed a 7th-century BC bronze votive plaque shows him in the branches of a tree. This remarkable continuity has led some to believe that, over time, elements of the Minoan religion with the duo of the 'Goddess' and 'Young God' became incorporated in the cult of Hermes and Aphrodite.
Congratulations to TheFunCouple for the excellent job of being FTF !