- Region
- Messara, south Heraklion
- Distance
- About 60 km from Heraklion
- Era
- c. 1900–1450 BC
- Visit
- 1–1.5 hours
Two palaces
The first palace was destroyed by fire around 1700 BC. A grander palace was built on its ruins and destroyed in the mid-15th century BC. Unlike Knossos, Phaistos was not reconstructed, so you see the remains as excavated, mostly by the Italian mission led by Federico Halbherr and Luigi Pernier from 1900.
A route through the site
Start at the west court and the theatral area, with eight wide steps. Climb the grand staircase toward the central court, which aligns with Psiloritis to the north. Look for the west-wing storerooms that once held wine, oil and grain, and the royal quarters with alabaster floors.
The Phaistos Disc
The clay disc, stamped on both sides with undeciphered symbols, was found in 1908 in the north-east part of the old palace. The original is in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Practical
The site is exposed; bring water and a hat, and visit early or late in summer. Agia Triada, a smaller Minoan villa with fine views, is about 3 km west, and Matala is 15 minutes away for a swim.
Questions before you go
Is the Phaistos Disc at Phaistos?
No. It was found there, but it is displayed in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Phaistos or Knossos?
Knossos is larger and partly reconstructed; Phaistos is quieter, unreconstructed and has a superb setting.
What is near Phaistos?
Agia Triada, Gortyn, Matala and Kommos.
