Zakros Palace

The Fascinating History of Crete

The Palace at Zakros was built in the years of the Minoan settlement of Crete in 1900BC.

This site is located 50 kms from Sitia in eastern Crete. Sitia is 140 kms from Heraklion.

The extensive ruins are located just behind Káto Zákros, Κάτω Ζάκρος, just 7 km from the modern village of the same name. This was the site of one of the four known Minoan palaces on Crete, with complex rooms, ceremonial chambers and sophisticated constructions.

One of the most beautiful artefacts to be found on Crete, the rock crystal vase (pictured) was discovered on this site and is displayed at the museum in Heraklion.

It is considered that this was a rich trading village and palace, as it is located facing east and in a protected cove, finds include many exotic riches such as elephants tusks.

Clay tablets were found here with Linear A script, much like the ones found at other Minoan sites such as Phaistos. Artefacts from this site are displayed at the museums in Sitia, Agios Nikolaos and Heraklion.

The nearby Zákros Gorge is also named The Gorge of the Dead, due to findings of burial chambers in its caves.

This is the fourth largest of the Minoan palaces on the island, however it tends to be much less touristed and allow the visitor plenty of space, peace and time to explore the site and imagine life in this special place. Check with your hotel as to opening hours as these vary with the season, there is a small entrance fee.

Close to the site is the lovely beachside village of Kato Zakros where can be found accommodation and tavernas, and a beautiful cove and beach.

See the location of the Minoan Palaces of Crete here:

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