Ancient Anopolis

Near the fortress and the temple of Saint Cathreen ( Agia Ekaterini ), overlooking Loutro , traces of walls and buildings have been identified, belonging to the ancient town Anopolis , port of which was Katopolis or Phoenix , the ruins of which can be seen today west of Loutro . Anopolis was an independent town and had its own currency.

Its rival in the region was Araden (today Aradena ), from which it was occupied in the 3rd century BC. This was probably the reason for the construction of the city wall that still stands today at the position Riza .

A large cistern, the base of a large building (probably a sanctuary) and box-shaped tombs have also been identified. During the Byzantine period it was still well flourishing, which is indicated by the many churches of the area.

Later, during the Ottoman Era, Anopolis and the entire province of Sfakia, due to the intense mountainous terrain, was never actually inhabited by the Ottomans .