The archaeological site of Palaikastro is located at the northernmost point of the eastern coast of Crete and is 90 km from Agios Nikolaos. The ancient city covered an area of more than 50,000 square meters, was densely populated and had no external walls. The archaeological dig of British archaeologists brought to light, at the site of Rousolakkos, a large Minoan settlement of the Late Minoan period (1550-1220 BC) as well as remains (mainly cemeteries) of the Early Minoan and Middle Minoan era (3000-1550 BC). In one of the districts of the city, on its north-eastern side, the sanctuary of Diktaeus Dios was found with continuous worship from the Geometric times (8th century BCE) to the Roman era. The sanctuary was destroyed by the Christians at the end of the 4th century AD. century. In another district, an olive press was discovered, with an oil separator and storage jars, as well as a grape press.
The settlement is crossed by the main road with vertical paved streets that divide the city into 9 districts with a well-organized drainage system. Each district usually includes 4-5 houses with megalithic external construction. The entrance is mainly on the main road while a staircase leads to the upper floor. The floors, the paving stones, the bases of the columns are made of special limestone. The "mansion" is the main room of the house and has a skylight. Internally there is an alternation of wooden columns with a stone base and square pilasters. Other auxiliary spaces are the reception hall, the bathroom, the oil storage, the galleys, etc.
Editor: Niki Kalopaidis