In 1961, the professor and distinguished archaeologist N. Platonas discovered an important settlement and palace from the Minoan period, at the coastal village of Kato (Lower) Zakros.
The palace discovered there is the fourth most important one, after those of Knossos, Phestos and Malia. Cemeteries from the same period were discovered on the surrounding hills, at 'faraggi ton nekron" (valley of the - not exist anymore - ) and "traostalos".
The architecture of the Zakros palace is similar to other Minoan palaces, but with certain special features of its own. It was built in 1900 BC, and rebuilt in 1600 BC after it had been destroyed. Later, in 1450 BC, the wave of destruction that hit the island destroyed it. A tour of the palace. In rooms 1-5, you will see the storage spaces, where vessels, such as pots and earthenware jars were found. The next three rooms (6-8) were also warehouses looking onto a common corridor, the "recess corridor" as it is called. Room 9 is a square hall with square bricks in the centre.
Area 10 used to be a staircase, and some of its stairs have been preserved.
4 elephant tusks and 6 talents were found in rooms 11 and 12.
Rooms 13-15 are thought to have been a vestry and warehouse, as amphorae, fruit bowls, cups, swords and other objects were found there. Room 14 is a hallway and 16 an archive.
Tablets in linear A alphabet and a stone conical libation vessel were found here. Area 17 was a staircase leading to the second floor, and the findings in area 18 show drainage facilities.
The next room (19) had many doors, while in area 20 there was a dying-room.
The next room was the
antechamber of the small industry department, and room 22 was used as a toilet. Room 23 is important; it was the palace's Sanctuary, as is proved by
the ritual objects found there, i.e. figurines, libation vessels, etc.
The next area (24) was a cleansing tank with ten stairs leading down to it; it was used as a water tank, a swimming pool, an aquarium or even for ritual "cleansing".
The next room (25) is the most interesting of all. This was the treasury, and was preserved untouched. It has nine cases, containing ritual vessels, with most prominent among them the libation vessel made of crystal. Most of the findings are currently exhibited in the archaeological museum of Heraklion.
Room 26 was a workshop where raw materials such as steatite and marble were found. The next room was a storeroom.
Room 29 was the symposium hall, 30 the antechamber of the royal chamber, and 31 a corridor.
Room 32 was the kitchen and then the pantry. Room 34 was a gallery, while the Royal Chamber (35) is particularly interesting.
It was a large room with a skylight in the northwestern corner, a gallery of columns and a floor divided into square sections. Important objects were found in this room, such as an embossed libation vessel with images from the Summit Temple forming bullhorns, which is currently exhibited in the archaeological museum of Heraklion. Room 36 was a storage area, and room 37 a hall with numerous doors.
Area 38 was a corndor facing the sea and the next two (38, 39) were drainage facilities. Area 41 was a well, and the next five chambers (42-46) were the palace's industrial section. Area 63 was used as a courtyard, and area 64 was a circular water tank. A fountain was found in area 70.
You can visit Zakros palace daily except Mondays, from 8.00 to 15.00. In this area you can also visit the cave located at Pelekita, 5 km from Zakros Palace, northeast of Kato Zakros, near the sea. Its total length is 3 10 m, covering an area of 4,500 m It has a rich decor of impressive stalactites and stalagmites, and has traces of habitation from the Neolithic period. You have to walk for about an hour to reach the cave, and we suggest you take enough water with you to last until you return, as will not find anywhere to buy any.
The cave has no electrical lighting, so make sure you take a torch or torches with you, so that you can see the largest underground chamber known today in Crete.
An ancient quarry was also found in this area, where the ancient inhabitants of Zakros acquired materials to build the Minoan palace. Kato Zakros beach is fantastic, with fine pebbles and sand, and crystalclear water.
Do not miss the chance to pay it a visit, and later you can have fresh
fish or meat in Akrogiali taverna, tel. +30 2843026893, and 26896.
After your tour of the archaeological sights and tavernas of the area, you could continue south to Xerokambos, 10 km away. Consecutive bays with fine sand and clean sea that deepens gradually, without the trappings of tourism, for all those in search of peace and quiet. Opposite you, the Kavalli islands add to the landscape of unworldly beauty. There are very cheap apartments to rent in the area, and many tavernas serving fresh fish. The "Ambelos" apartments for rent, built in the traditional style, are a very nice place to stay.