Archanes

The ruins of Archanes speak poignantly of Crete’s Minoan past.
The archaeological site and museum here exhibit coffins and musical instruments, ornamental pieces, pottery shards, cooking pots, lamps and even such domestic objects as tweezers.

It’s thought that Archanes was the location of a palatial summer palace, with evidence of aqueducts, a reservoir and theater. Excavations begun in 1964 have also revealed two dozen funerary buildings at the necropolis at nearby Phourni. Monumental tombs have unearthed sarcophagi and funeral offerings of jewelry and ornaments.




Editor's Note: Photo courtesy of AWI via Creative Commons

Practical Info

Archanes lies 14km (8.5 miles) south of Iraklio, a half-hour trip into the interior by hourly bus.