Palekastro Archaeological Site

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The Palekastro archaeological site has intrigued archaeologists for years. Palekastro is ideally positioned in a fertile land, right next to the harbor of Chiona, at the East coast of Crete, and is blessed with relatively easy access of the inland ancient settlements. All these facts make it the ideal location for the development of a major town, or a palace. The town has been unearthed in slow increments, and according to the Radiophotography surveillance of the site, there is evidence of a fifth Minoan palace under the olive roots of the adjacent area.

The archaeological site is also known as Rousolakos, and is a comparatively small one. The stone foundations of the houses are well outlined in the perimeter while several houses are well preserved with walls up to two meters high and with evidence of frescoes on their surface. Walking through the ruins one can see the clear contours of wide streets and several deep fresh water wells.

The site is still actively excavated by a horde of diggers and it is interesting to see archaeologist actively contemplating freshly unearthed pottery fragments. It is also one of the most well documented sites with extensive plans, essays, and graphics erected next to houses and streets. Nowhere else in Greece have I seen such a degree of explanatory material on site.

I was able to leisurely walk around the site in about one hour, and the site's proximity to the Chiona beach makes it easy to combine swimming along with a visit to the ancient site. In fact, the entire surrounding area is the perfect place for a few weeks of relaxation.

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Palekastro Pictures

Ruins of a house in the town of Palekastro (Rousolakos).	Well found in the town of Palekastro.	Ruins of Palekastro with the beach of Chiona in the background.