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Crete Archaeology

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Archaeological places of Crete

•Museums •Ancient cities •Minoan palaces •Tombs •Peak Sanctuaries •Temples •Fortresses •Churches •Monasteries•Aqueducts

01/09/2026

Mourning Siren
1st century BC
Aptera
📍Archaeological Museum of Chania

One of those small museum objects that made me stop for a closer look.

This beautiful terracotta vessel was found in the western cemetery of ancient Aptera. It shows a Siren with the head and body of a woman, but the wings and legs of a bird.

She wears a tall crown and pulls at her long hair, a traditional gesture of mourning. At the same time, she seems to be tearing at her feathers.

This may be connected to one of the founding myths of Aptera. According to the story, the Sirens competed in a singing contest with the Muses. After losing, they tore the feathers from their wings and threw themselves into the sea.

Only 17.5 cm high, but full of mythology, symbolism and emotion.

28/08/2026

Renaissance Fountain
16th century
Chandras, East Crete

On my way to ancient Voila, I came across this beautiful old fountain in the heart of the mountain village Chandras, about 600 meters above sea level.

The fountain has a cistern hall with five faucets, each set inside an arch with a corresponding trough. You can also see the iron wedges with round heads on the arches, once used for tying animals.

The facade is especially beautiful, with two finely carved semicircular arches resting on three pilasters. Its design has strong Venetian influences. In 1947, another storey was added on top of the fountain to house the Community building.

Chandras has a long history. The village was already recorded in Venetian censuses in the 16th century, with 403 inhabitants in 1583. The old centre, known as Mesochoria, still has an Ottoman hammam, historic churches and buildings with Venetian influences.

And one more thing: if you visit Chandras, make sure to stop at Taverna Marika on the village square. Cretan hospitality at its best. Simple, delicious food, a handwritten menu, and Marika and her husband are wonderful hosts. 💙

16/08/2026

The Harbor Complex At Gournia
Minoan period, Crete

The ancient harbor of Gournia was much more than a place for boats. Recent excavations revealed a ship shed, storerooms, defensive walls, towers, a cobbled street, terraces and even a dam.

The ship shed had two long chambers and dates to the Neopalatial period. Nearby fortifications protected the approach from the sea, making Gournia one of the most unusual fortified harbor complexes in the Aegean.

The harbor was connected to the town by a cobbled street. Terraces along the route may have been used for growing vines, while the harbor probably played an important role in exporting pottery and locally produced wine.

Gournia may not be as famous as Knossos, but it is one of the best-preserved Minoan towns in Crete. It’s absolutely worth a visit. 🏺🌊

Visit Ierapetra

29/07/2026

Table Support (Trapezophoros) Satyr and Dionysus
2nd-3rd century AD
📍Archaeological Museum of Eleutherna, Crete

This marble sculpture shows a satyr supporting the young, intoxicated Dionysus, the Greek god of wine. The satyr helps the naked god stay on his feet, creating a scene full of movement and character.

The sculpture was found by chance at ancient Eleutherna. A vertical support on the back shows that it was once part of a trapezophoros - a carved support for a stone table. Such table supports decorated the homes and villas of wealthy people during the Roman period.

Although parts of the figures are missing, the fine carving and lifelike poses still make this a remarkable work of ancient art.

19/07/2026

Toplou Monastery
14th century
Eastern Crete

Toplou Monastery is one of the most important and best-preserved monasteries in Crete. Founded in the 14th century, it was built like a fortress with thick stone walls and a tall bell tower to protect the monks and local people from pirate attacks and invasions. Over the centuries, it survived earthquakes, wars, and occupations, and it also supported the Cretan resistance during World War II.

The name Toplou comes from the Turkish word top, meaning cannon. During the Ottoman period, the monastery was allowed to keep a cannon for its defense against pirates. Although its official name is the Monastery of Panagia Akrotiriani and St. John the Theologian, it became widely known as Toplou because of this cannon.

Today, the monastery is famous for its beautiful Byzantine icons, historic library, and peaceful atmosphere. It is still an active monastery and one of the most remarkable places to visit in eastern Crete.

12/07/2026

Mochlos Island
Eastern Crete
First settled around 3100 BC

Today, Mochlos is a small island off the coast of eastern Crete. During the Minoan period, it was connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land. People could simply walk to the island.

This natural connection created a safe harbor and easy access to the fertile plain behind it. Mochlos became one of the most important Minoan ports in eastern Crete. The town traded with other Minoan centers and was known for its skilled craftsmen, especially goldsmiths.

On 21 July AD 365, one of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded in the Mediterranean struck Crete. Together with later tectonic movements, the land slowly sank below sea level. The land bridge disappeared, turning Mochlos into the island we see today. On calm days, its outline can still be seen beneath the clear water.

For me personally, Mochlos also has some of the best seafood restaurants in all of Crete.

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