Palace of Phaistos
Φαιστός
The second-largest Minoan palace on Crete, set on a hill overlooking the Messara Plain. It has been left unrestored in its original state and is where the Phaistos Disc was found.
The palace was begun around 2000 BC. Its Great Staircase, central courtyard and storerooms are well preserved. Unlike Knossos, there is no concrete reconstruction here, which gives it a more austere, ancient feel. From the courtyard you can see Mount Ida (Psiloritis). Admission is about 12 euros (check the official website for current prices). The Royal Villa of Ayia Triada, about 3 km away, can be visited on a combined ticket. The site is about an hour’s drive from Heraklion and can be combined with Gortyn and Matala as a southern day trip.
Opening hours
Summer about 08:00–20:00; winter about 08:30–15:30
Nearby sights
- Matala Beach & Caves
- Gortyn
- Archanes & Peza Wine Region
- Agia Pelagia
- Venetian Walls & Tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis
- Natural History Museum of Crete
- Agios Minas Cathedral
- Knossos Palace