Phaistos Palace

The palace of Phaistos was the second most important Minoan palace and second largest (approx. 18,000 m2) after that of Knossos. It was built on a hill at the western end of the largest and richest Messara plain. It was from this point that the local lord-king controlled not only the produce of the plain but also the exit to the sea and the ports of Messara Gulf (Kalamaki, Kommos and Matala). This low hill belongs to a series of small hills that extend to the east between Ida on the north and Asterousia on the south. The hills go all the way down to the sea and surround the plain on the west. According to mythology, Phaistos was ruled by the Dynasty of Rhadamanthys who was a son of Zeus and brother of Minos.

Phaistos Palace is considered a paradigm example of a Minoan palace due to its excellent architectural configuration and flawless construction. 

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Photo: Incredible Crete