While not as famous as the site of Knossos, the Minoan Palace of Phaistos is the second largest palace of Crete and was once one of the most important centers of Minoan civilization, which dominated much of the Mediterranean throughout the Bronze Age.
Thriving between the 19th and 12th centuries BCE, Phaistos is one of Crete’s most authentically preserved ancient ruins and is a great alternative for visitors looking for a more authentic exploration of the ancient culture than at the restored ruins at Knossos palace.
From the best sites to see to where to stay nearby, this is everything you need to know for an immersive exploration of the Archaeological Site of Phaistos, Greece.
Visit Minoan Palace of Phaistos, Greece: A Brief Guide
Opening Hours:
Summer Hours: 08:00 – 20:00
Winter Hours: 08:00 – 15:00
Ticket Prices: €8 for general admission; €4 reduced prices
Address: Άγιος Ιωάννης, Kamilari 702 00, Greece
Nearby Hotels: Keramos | Idi Hotel | Hotel Orama-Matala
Tours: From Heraklion: Knossos, Gortyna, Phaistos & Zaros Bus Tour
Top Sights: Central Court | Propylaion | King’s Megaron | Queen’s Apartments | Phaistos Disc (Archaeological Museum of Heraklion)
Minoan Palace of Phaistos Map
Minoan Palace of Phaistos: A Brief History
Inhabited since 3600 BCE, during the Neolithic Period of Crete, Phaistos became a center of the Minoan civilization between the 20th and mid-15th century BCE, with the first Palace of Phaistos being constructed around 2000 BCE.
This early palace of Phaistos featured heavily in Greek mythology on the island, with it said to be occupied by Radhamanthys, the brother of King Minos, the legendary founder of the Minoan civilization on Crete.
The palace was destroyed numerous times within the following centuries thanks to earthquakes and other disasters, with the complex being reconstructed three times by the end of the 16th century.
When another earthquake brought a fourth wave of destruction of the palace and nearby Knossos in the 14th century BCE, neither was reconstructed, and two of the most prominent Minoan palatial centres were left to ruin.
Phaistos was lightly repopulated during the Geometric Periods of the 8th century BCE but was again destroyed in the 3rd century BCE, this time at the hands of the Gortynians.
Since then, Phaistos Palace has largely been left to ruin until archaeological excavations began uncovering the site in the mid-19th century. Today, the site is one of the best-preserved examples of an authentic Minoan palace on the island of Crete, whereas the larger Knossos has largely been restored.
Things to See and Do in Minoan Palace of Phaistos
1. Central Court
Once the social and political hub in ancient times, the central peristyle court spans an impressive 55 meters in length and 25 meters in width. While mostly open space, the foundations of the ruined wall provide a feel of just how expansive the palace buildings once were throughout the main court, various corridors, and main entrance.
2. Propylaion
Located along the palace’s west side and serving as a corridor to the Central Court from the west wing, the ruins of the West Propylon consist of the remains of various columns and are set at the foot of a 14-meter-wide stone staircase. Like the Central Court, not much of the Propylaion stands today, but the overall effect of the majesty of the monumental entrance is still prevalent in the structural remains of the old palace period.
3. King’s Megaron
Located along the northern edges of the archaeological site is the King’s Megaron, also known as the King’s Royal Apartments. Covered in alabaster flooring with fresco-covered walls, the megaron would have hosted significant royal events and ceremonies and even contains a lustral basin responsible for cleansing during religious rituals.
4. Queen’s Apartments
Set adjacent to the King’s Megaron is the Queen’s Apartment. While slightly smaller, this royal residence found in the north wings features light wells along with alabaster flooring and various wall frescoes and offers further private rooms for the royal family.
5. Phaistos Disc (Archaeological Museum of Heraklion)
In order for a tour of the Minoan Palace of and city of Phaistos to be complete, you first must make a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion in Crete’s capital city. Containing artifacts from across the island, several exhibits include significant finds from the Phaistos site, including its most famous relic, the Phaistos Disc, which bears an unknown script from prehistoric times of the Archaic Period.
How to Get to Minoan Palace of Phaistos, Greece?
There are KTEL buses connecting the Minoan Palace of Phaistos to the central station in Heraklion. However, a car rental is the best and most convenient way to access the site.
Where to Stay Near Minoan Palace of Phaistos, Greece?
While there aren’t hotel options in the Messara plain immediately surrounding the Minoan city of Phaistos, the ancient ruins are located near popular tourist spots, such as Neo Kalamalka and Matala. Here are some fantastic hotel options near Phaistos.
FAQS About Minoan Palace of Phaistos, Greece
Where is the Minoan Palace of Phaistos, Greece?
The Minoan Palace of Phaistos is located about an hour’s drive south of Heraklion, within the shadow of the Lasithi Mountains near Matala in southern Crete.
How Much is Admission at Minoan Palace of Phaistos, Greece?
Tickets to the Minoan Palace of Phaistos cost €8 for general admission. However, the price is reduced to €4 per ticket during the low season and for various age groups/students.
How Long Do I Need to Explore Minoan Palace of Phaistos, Greece?
While the ruins of the Minoan Palace of Phaistos are fairly large, they aren’t quite as extensive as the nearby Knossos. Still, you should plan on spending 1 to 2 hours touring the site.
What Are Some Other Archaeological Sites Near Minoan Palace of Phaistos, Greece?
- Archaeological site of Gortyna (15 km)
- Archaeological site of Agia Triada (3 km)
- Chondros Archaeological Site (75 km)
- Minoan Palace of Knossos (58.4 km)
