Phaistos was officially recognized in 2025 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, affirming its timeless significance. The ruins of the city lie on a hill overlooking the Mesara plain, forming one of the most important centers of Minoan civilization.

The Palace of Phaistos

The earlier palace (1900–1700 BC) was built upon Neolithic deposits and introduced key features of Minoan architecture for the first time: paved courtyards, polythyra (pier-and-door partitions), and light wells. After its destruction around 1700 BC, the New Palace was constructed on its ruins, preserving its splendor until approximately 1450 BC.

Exploring the Wings

• West Wing: Dominated by the large hypostyle hall with marble revetments and a triple pier, likely used for religious purposes. The central courtyard retains its impressive paving from the Protopalatial period.


• North Wing: This area includes the “royal apartments,” whose sacred character is emphasized by the elaborate exterior wall and the stepped altar. A complex of luxurious rooms with alabaster revetments and fresco decoration leads to a large peristyle courtyard.


• East Wing: Preserves sections with lustral basins and light wells, while the existence of an upper-floor hypostyle “banqueting hall” has been suggested.

World Treasures

Phaistos is the birthplace of the famous Phaistos Disc, one of archaeology’s greatest enigmas. Finds such as the extensive collection of colorful Kamares ware, sculptures, and small artifacts are now exhibited at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

Beyond the palace, excavations have revealed residential complexes and an Archaic-period temple, possibly dedicated to Rhea. A visit to Phaistos offers an authentic encounter with Minoan architecture—without the crowds of Knossos—in a landscape that has remained unchanged through the centuries.