A day-trip through the Messara plateau to Matala |
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| Phaistos is a Minoan historical site, and is located about 6 kilometres from the south coast village of Matala. It is the second largest Cretan palace after Knossos. Phaistos was the seat of King Radamanthis, brother of King Minos. The first palace in Phaistos was built around 2000 BC. The excavation is located at the foot of the Messara Plain and it offers unobstructed views of the Messara Plain and the surrounding mountains. When you see this panorama you will see why Phaistos was the birthplace of the soothsayer Epimenidis, who was one of the seven wise men of ancient Crete. |
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| The Phaistos highlights you should see are: The storerooms on the western side and the granaries. The most impressive is the monumental entrance to the palace. The Disc is the emblem of Phaistos, which is now on display at the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion. This Disc consists of 241 signs. After the sightseeing in Phaistos we continue our way to the village of Matala.
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| In Matala you can visit the Hippies caves. There are several tavernas where you can take refreshments. |
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