Archaeological sites in Hersonissos Municipality

Crete's Ancient Wonders

This collection highlights significant Minoan and post-Minoan sites across eastern Crete. It includes the mountain refuge of Karfi in the Dikti range and the coastal ruins of Amnisos, which served as a harbor for Knossos. The list features the religious architecture of the Nirou Khani villa and the Sanctuary of Zeus Thenatas, alongside more recent historical markers like the submerged village of Sfendili and traditional stone windmill ruins.

Schuppi / CC BY-SA 3.0

Karfi

Karfi is an archaeological site high up in the Dikti Mountains in eastern Crete, Greece.

Nirou

A well-preserved Minoan mansion from the 16th century BC. It likely served as a residence for a high priest and a storage site for ritual objects, including large bronze double axes and stone altars.

Amnisos Villa of the Lilies

A two-story Minoan villa dating to approximately 1600 BC. It is famous for its floral frescoes, particularly the 'Lilies of the Wall,' and functioned as part of the ancient harbor settlement for Knossos.

Amnisos Sanctuary of Zeus Thenatas

An ancient sanctuary located on the hill of Palaiochora. It contains remains of an altar and a surrounding wall used for worship from the Archaic period through to the Roman era.

Sfendili

A settlement partially submerged by the waters of the Aposelemis Dam. The abandoned stone houses and a 14th-century Byzantine church become more visible during periods of low water levels.

Sphendyli

A village located within the Aposelemis Dam reservoir. The site is known for its disappearing ruins, which are periodically flooded or revealed based on the dam's water capacity.