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Royal Villa of Agia Triada

Archaeological Sites

Heraklion

At first glance

On the banks of the river Geropotamos, near the Phaistos palace, in an area of exquisite natural beauty, the Agia Triada royal villa is situated, one of the greatest monuments of Minoan architecture on the island of Crete. The «littleMinoanpalace» ofAgiaTriada, named accordingly by theItalianarchaeologiststhat brought it to light in the early 20th century, has provided uswith a plethora offindings, all of which are currentlydisplayed in theHeraklion Archaeological Museum.

 

Dating back to 1600 BC, the remarkably refined and impressively decorated compoundof Agia Triada consists of two wings which form an asymmetrical L-shape. It boasts all the typical features of the palatial architectural style but on a smaller scale, such as apartments with multiple halls divided by pier-and-door partitions (polythyra) and lightwells, shrines, repositories, treasuries, workshops, stairwells, porticoes, terracesandbalconies, streetsandcourtyardspaved with flagstones. The walls were covered with gypsumplaques anddecoratedwithmurals, outnumberingthe murals that were foundin the entirety ofMinoanCrete. The compound had an additional second floor, affirmed by the remains of manystairwells which are preserved to this day.

Places to visit

You may begin your tour by visiting theroomson the south side of the villa which are speculated to have been used as utilityspace. In one of these rooms, the noteworthy stone «Chieftaincup», adorned with fascinating scenes, was discovered and is currently displayedintheHeraklionArchaeologicalMuseum. On thenortheastside of the villa, theliving  quarters of the Kingconsisted of acentralroom, connectedby two halls divided by pier-and-door partitions (polythyra) to aperistylecourtandalightwell, a room with «desks» in it,anda smaller one withan alabasterleg, possibly belongingtoa bed. Moving on to the northeast side of the double doors, you should keep in mind that this is the place where the so-called «archive» of clay seals was found. A room decorated with illustrations of lilies and wildcats comes next, followed by a room which is labelled the «treasury», after 9 coppercoins were discovered in its premises. On the west side, you will come across the remnantsof aroad with steps which was given the name «ramp of thesea» by the excavators.

Not to be missed

A visit to the Agia Triada royal villa will be worth your time, as well as to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum in order to admire the notable findings of the site up-close. Apart from various exceptional works of ceramic art, you can take a look ata substantialrecord ofLinear Bsigns, as well as threestonevessels carved withscenes, for example the renownedBoxer Rhyton and theadmirable Harvester Vase. One of the mostunusualfindingsis aMinoan clay model of a divine figure on a swing. However the most exceptional artefact and that of the greatest interest by many regards, is the Agia Triada sarcophagus whichbearsillustrations of a Minoan sacrificial ritual.

Information

Accessible topeople with special needs: NO

Telephone number: +30 28920 91564

Email: efahra@culture.gr

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More Information

  • Accessible for people with special needs: NO
  • Operation Hours: 10:00-17:00, Daily

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