Family Visit to the Palace of Phaistos and the Museum of Messara

• Duration

  Half Day

• Theme

  • History & Mythology

• Group Type

  • Private

Ah, the Minoans—the famous ancient Cretans. They were traders, sailors, and craftsmen who left behind a civilization so rich and complex that archaeologists still try to unravel its many mysteries today.

Just one hour south of Heraklion, in the Messara Plain, you will find one of the lesser-known Minoan Palaces: Phaistos. This was a major religious and political establishment around 1,800 BC, also used for storing goods and housing officials and citizens. While window-shopping in Heraklion, you’ll come across the image of the Disc of Phaistos in modern pendants and earrings. The original disc is a round, fired clay object now displayed at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. The Disc of Phaistos bears a text in an unknown language, so its original purpose and place in the Phaistos Palace is still a mystery.

Over the years, archaeologists have suggested multiple interpretations for the mystery disc. Is it a religious script? A tax record? A history text? To complicate the puzzle more, the symbols are not engraved but stamped on the clay surface with pre-made stamps. We don’t know where the script starts and ends. Thousands of Linear B tablets, seals, paintings, and objects have been unearthed. The Phaistos Disc, though, remains unique.

The soil in and around Phaistos is red. You will see the Queen’s Quarters, the King’s Megaron, and the Princes’ rooms. The kids will love imagining the grand religious processions in the massive steps of the erstwhile Palace. We recommend combining the visit to the Palace of Phaistos with the brand-new Museum of Messara! Our hand-picked professional family guides will make your day trip to Phaistos and Messara unforgettable.