The ruins of the city of Phestos are located on a steep dirt hill west of Mires, on the way to Tymbaki. The heat in the summer is often unbearable, so make sure you avoid the hottest hours of the day when visiting Phestos, and Gortyna. Phestos' oldest palace (1900-1700 BC) was build over earth-banks from the Neolithic and Proto Minoan periods (3000-2000 BC). This ancient palace, in which the basic features of Minoan architecture can be seen (paved courtyards, multi-door rooms, carefully made facades, skylights, etc.) has been destroyed and re-constructed twice. After a further destruction in 1700 BC, the ruins were cleared and a new palace built over them, which lasted until around 1450 BC. Phestos palace, with its excellent architectural
features, functionality and impeccable construction, is considered a typical example of a Minoan palace.
Our tour starts in the westem courtyard, where the old palace is.
Here, as in Knossos, there is a theatrical area and some circular constructions, like silos for storing cereals. The western Propylaea
of Phestos are definitely the most impressive main entrance to a Minoan palace. They consist of a landing, a propyleum with an intermediate column, a stoa and a skylight. There is large chamber in the west wing, which is very interesting. It is a supported chamber with marble supports and a triple portal leading to the main courtyard; it was probably used for worship. Other ritual chambers can also be found in the same wing. The main courtyard has preserved its original paving, dating from the Paleo-palatial period ( 1900-1700 BC).
Only a small section of the east wing has been preserved, containing a chamber with skylights and cleansing tanks. The "royal quarters" are in the north wing. The sanctity and official nature of these quarters is underlined by the external wall looking onto the main courtyard, which is split, with symmetrical protrusions and recesses around the central entrance, which is surrounded by semi-columns, and by the tiered altar in the comer sport ween the north and west wing. A long corridor and internal courtyards provide access to a group of rooms and a larger courtyard with a ceramic kiln in its centre.
There was perhaps a supported "symposium hall" on one of the floors, looking overthe main courtyard. The rest of the wing is taken up by official quarters. Two luxurious chambers (alabaster wall coverings, floortiles, wall paintings), framed by skylights, balconies and a large peristyled courtyard are special. Besides the palace, groups of buildings and an archaic temple, possibly dedicated to Rea, have been excavated NE and SW of the palace. Findings from the palace, such as the famous Phestos discus, a large collection of Camaraic vessels with colourful decorations, and many other objects are exhibited in the Heraklion Museum. After your tour of the archaeological site, you can proceed south to Agios loannis, a village just 500 m away. There you will find Ta Kounelia (Rabbits) taverna, whose specialty is...what else? Rabbit cooked in various ways and accompanied by delicious salads depending on the season.