Dear adventurers, these are the most popular ancient sites to visit with your rental car in crete this summer.
1. Knossos
The city that was inhabited from the Neolithic period, around 6000-5000 BC, and formed the core for the creation of the first Greek state, the earliest religion, and the first Greek art, hosted the legendary Palace of Knossos. The Palace of Knossos and King Minos, one of the most important cultural heritage sites worldwide and the strongest among the Minoan palaces, is the premier testimony to this rich civilization. Just a few kilometers from the city center of Heraklion, the ruins of the Minoan palace testify to the rich culture, advanced technology, and glory that dominated five thousand years ago. As Nikos Kazantzakis said, ‘there your heart beats differently, and your mind floods with questions,’ reflecting the deep historical and cultural significance of the place.
2. Phaistos
Palace of Phaistos, firstly mentioned by Homer in the epics of Iliad and Odyssey. The Palace of Phaistos, was described as a well-inhabited city and one of the participants in the Trojan War, indicating its significance during the Mycenaean period. The Minoan palace of Phaistos was founded by king Minos and his brother Rodamanthis, built in successive levels with the Minoan technique of masonry and was autonomous with a powerful economy that managed the Messara plain and the ancient ports of Matala and Kommos. Many coins minted in Phaistos have been found, portraying a lion’s head and Europa seated on a bull. Finally, the palace was destroyed by a major earthquake in 1730 BC, along with Knossos. On the same site, on top of the ruins, a new palace was constructed.
3. Mallia
East of the modern city of Malia stands the ancient Palace of Malia, once the residence of the legendary King Sarpedon before his expulsion by his brother Minos. Constructed at the same period with the palaces of Knossos and Phaistos, the Palace of Malia experienced a similar cycle of destruction and rebuilding. Archaeological investigations in the region have shown that the palace’s residents mainly focused on fishing and agriculture, suggesting a more modest economic status compared to their counterparts in Knossos and Phaistos.
Bonus Location: Kydonia
Kydonia is located where today the city of Chania is built. It was founded by King Kydon, son of Apollo and Akakallida, daughter of Minos. After archaeological investigations, it appears that Kydonia was colonized during the Neolithic period until the Late Minoan period and was a center of power. They also revealed a ceramic art workshop with records of Linear A and B, and many other finds that mark its multicultural heritage. During Roman times, Cydonia held a prominent position and enjoyed its freedom thanks to its support of Augustus during the naval battle of Actium. The inhabitants of Kydonia were famous for their excellent archery skills. Finally the city was destroyed in a great earthquake in 365 when it was rebuilt to survive until the Ottoman era.
With Kind Regards
The Carac Rent a Car Team
