Knossos Palace
The Palace of Knossos is the largest of the centers of Minoan power. It is a
building complex that develops in an area of 22,000 sq.m. Built on an artificial
hill, it was the most impressive of the Minoan palaces and the administrative
center of Minoan Knossos, which is located 5 km. southeast of Heraklion.
According to tradition, the Palace of Knossos was the seat of King Minos.
Around 2000 BC the old palace was built at the southern end of the city and
was destroyed by an earthquake around 1900 BC. It was immediately
repaired, but was destroyed a second time by an earthquake, around 1700
BC. Immediately afterwards, the new, more magnificent palace was built in
the mid-15th century BC. Achaean rulers now sat in the throne room of the
palace, who, as absolute sovereigns, controlled the entire island. The palace
was destroyed again in the mid-14th century BC (Late Minoan Period IIIA),
this time by fire, and from then on it ceased to function as a palatial center.
The Egyptian Aqueduct at Spilia
In the area of Agia Eirini at Spilia there is the largest of the aqueduct bridges
built in Crete in order to solve the water shortage problem of –today’s-
Herakleion. Through this water bridge built during the Egyptian occupation
(1830-1840) the water was transferred from the Fountana spring in Kounavoi
and from the Miliaras spring in Skalani, to the center of Herakleion, after it had
been merged with the water coming through the Venetian aqueduct of
Morozini.
Malia Minoan Palace
The palace was first built in 1900 BC on a site where earlier habitation was
found, and was destroyed in 1700 BC along with the other palace centers. It
was rebuilt around 1650 BC on the same site, only to be destroyed again in
1450 BC. This final destruction was followed by a short period of reconquest.
Its key location facilitated both contact with the fertile hinterland and
commercial activities at sea. A short distance from it is the necropolis of
Chrysolakkos and the summit sanctuary of Prophet Elias. The palace is also
of great importance due to its size (7500 sq.m.), the third largest Minoan
palace in Crete. The ancient name is unknown today, however it has been
assumed that this location was Milatos with king Sarpedon, son of Zeus and
Europa and younger brother of Minos.
Phaistos Minoan Palace
Phaistos was one of the most important centres of Minoan civilization, and the
most wealthy and powerful city in southern Crete. It was inhabited from the
Neolithic period until the foundation and development of the Minoan palaces
in the 15th century B.C. The Minoan city covered a considerable area around
the palatial centre. After the destruction of the palace in the 15th century, the
city continued to be inhabited in the Mycenaean and Geometric periods, that
is, until the 8th century B.C.
Ancient city of Gortyna
The ruins of the ancient city of Gortyna with its acropolis and cemeteries
spread over an area of approximately 4,000 acres. The area of Gortyna was
already inhabited since the Neolithic era, as finds from this period have been
identified in the plain and on the hills, along with a few from Minoan times.
In the Hellenistic period (end of the 4th century BC - 67 BC), Gortyna was one
of the largest cities in Crete. After the Roman conquest, it became the capital
of the Roman province of Crete and Cyrenaica and experienced great building
development. In the early Byzantine period, the administrative and urban
center of the city was moved to the Christian quarter in the present-day village
of Mitropolis. After the Arab conquest, Gortyna fell into ruin.
Matala, South Crete
Matala was the port of Phaistos during the Minoan period and of Gortys
during the Roman period. Traces of the ancient settlement can be seen from
the sea. The caves appear to have been carved by human hands and it is
assumed that they were used as dwellings and also as burial crypts, during
the Roman times.
According to the Odyssey, Menelaus' ships were wrecked at Cape Nysos
between the bays of Kommos and Matala. Also, according to Greek
mythology, Matala is associated with the abduction of Europa by Zeus.
In Matala during the 1960s, hippies from all over the world found refuge and
became world-famous. It was a magnet for and a source of inspiration for
famous artists of the time.
Agia Triada archaeological site
It is one of the most important archaeological sites of Crete, located 3 km.
west of Phaestos palace. The excavations are conducted by the Italian School
of Archaeology, from the early 20th c. till nowadays. The name Agia Triada,
was given by the Medieval abandoned and in ruins now village, which existed
on the left bank of Geropotamos river.
The ancient site is located between Phaestos palace and the Libyan sea. The
Minoan mansion was built around 1550 BC and destroyed possibly by fire
around 1450 BC. Into the next period, Mycenaean, there was a large
‘Megaron’ type building that was built on top, while later on in the 5th c. B.C
the site is out of use with the exception of a temple to Zeus Velchanos.
Zaros Lake (and village)
Votomos Lake, also known as Zaros Lake, is an artificial lake nestled in the
southern slopes of Psiloritis. Before 1987, it was a small wetland formed by
the crater of the Votomos spring. Its current form was created in 1987 when
the Forest Service redeveloped the area and created an artificial lake to hold
the spring’s waters. Around the lake, there are taverns-cafes where visitors
can relax and enjoy trout and salmon, which are bred in tanks next to the lake.
There is also a playground, areas with benches and tables for picnics. A short
walk around the lake is worthwhile, as its banks are lush with greenery and
plane trees.
Various excavations in the region indicate that the Minoans and the Romans
settled here, lured by the abundant supply of freshwater. This spring water
supplied the great Roman capital of Gortys as well.
Prinias, archaeological site and village
The village of Prinias lies on the border of three regions: Malevizi, Kenouriou
and Monofatsi. It is famed as being one of the prettiest villages in all Crete in
one of the loveliest parts of the island. Ancient Rizinia and its cemetery are
one of the main attractions, as is the height known as Perdikokorifi with its
unique panoramic view of the Heraklion prefecture.
Ancient Prinias is an important archaeological site that offers a fascinating
glimpse into the island`s history, particularly during the Late Minoan IIIC
period (around 1200 BC) and its subsequent development into the Archaic
period (around 7th-6th centuries BCE).
Nirou Hani / Kokkini Hani
The Minoan villa at Nirou Khani is situated east of Heraklion. The site of Nirou
Khani, features a Minoan settlement and a two-story Minoan villa closer to the
sea. The villa comprises around 40 rooms, two corridors, and courtyards. The
Minoan villa covers an area of 1000 square meters and is built with large
dressed stones on its exterior. The building, known in literature as the “Nirou
Mansion,” is a luxurious two-story residence.
Kokkini Hani is a seaside tourist resort, 14 km east of Heraklion, under the
Municipality of Hersonissos. The residents are primarily engaged in tourism
and agriculture.
Archanes Village and Archaeological site of Zominthos
Archanes village is a model settlement, which converses with the future while
maintaining strong ties with the past. Beautiful neighborhoods with well-
maintained houses, painted in bold colors, flower-filled terraces, and
atmospheric enclosed courtyards, create a unique setting.
The Archaeological Museum of Archanes, in the building that once housed
the settlement's primary school, now houses finds from the wider area.
Zominhos
This important second-millennium B.C. site, located about 1,200 meters
(nearly 4,000 feet) above sea level, lies on the ancient route between the
palace at Knossos, the Minoans’ primary administrative center, and the
sacred Ideon Cave, where many believe the legendary god Zeus was born
and raised.
