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Zominthos: A Minoan palace up on the mountains

Archaeological Site

Opening hours View Hours
Anogeia, GR Get Directions

Built on a plateau at the foothills of Mount Psiloritis (also known as Mount Ida) near the village of Anogeia, the Palace of Zominthos has recently been inscribed onto the UNESCO World Heritage List.

This labyrinthine, multi-storey complex consisted of a minimum 70 rooms  – at least that’s how many have been excavated to date – including living quarters, areas of worship, workshops and more, spreading across 1,600 m2. The complex dates back to the Protopalatial period (ca. 1900–1700 BC), while the central structure has been dated to the Neopalatial period (1700–1650 BC).

This well-organized palace, sitting at an altitude of 1,200 meters, had a close and enduring connection to the Idaean Cave (Idaion Antron), the great Minoan sanctuary. During the excavations, archaeologists uncovered a wealth of finds that highlight its significance as a major Minoan center.

 

Directions

Zominthos
74051, Anogeia

Get directions

By car

15 minutes from Anogeia
1 hour and 5 minutes from Heraklion
1 hour and 30 minutes from Rethymno

Opening hours

Summer hours

April 1 – October 31

Mon: 08:30 – 15:30
Tue: closed
Wed: 08:30 – 15:30
Thu: 08:30 – 15:30
Fri: 08:30 – 15:30
Sat: 08:30 – 15:30
Sun: 08:30 – 15:30

Winter hours

November 1 – March 31

The site is open to visitors by appointment.

Please plan your visit by calling +30 28310 23653, +30 28310 58842

Last admission: 20 minutes before closing time



The site remains closed on the following dates and public holidays:
January 1, March 25, May 1, Easter Sunday, December 25 & 26.

Tickets

Free admission

Amenities

WC
Parking
Accessibility

Contact

Ephorate of Antiquities of Rethymno
Τ: +30 28310 23653, +30 28310 58842
Ε: efareth@culture.gr

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