The archaeological site of Phaistos is located 62 kilometers south of Heraklion near the archaeological site of Gortys and Matala. The Palace of Phaistos is situated on a hill in the valley of Messara at 100 meters altitude, providing surveillance around the valley and the mountains.

It is one of the most important archaeological sites of the island. It was economic, administrative and religious center of the region, and had two ports at Kommos and Matala. The findings of the excavations, which are preserved in the archaeological museum of Heraklion, suggest the area was inhabited from 6000 BC to the 1st century BC. First time mentioned by Homer as one of the cities that took part in Trojan war.

The first palace was built around 2000 by king Rodamanthos, brother of King Minos. An earthquake destroyed it in 1730 but it was rebuilt immediately. In 1450 destroyed a second time by an earthquake that shook the entire island, the city was reborn quickly becomes independent, minted its own coins and continued to flourish until the 1st century BC. when destroyed by the neighbor city of Gortys.

You can visit the Palace of Phaestos through our tour Tour 4 and discover one of the greatest monuments of the island antiquity.