HERAKLION

   The excavations of Agia Triada stand ca. 3 km from the Minoan Palace of Phaestos to which it was originally connected by a paved path.The Minoan name is not known, the present name comes from the small church, Holy Trinity, decorated with wall paintings, which was built on the site of the villa.

   Various finds show that the hill on which the villa was situated was inhabited from the Stone Age. The villa was built around 1600 BC, at the height of prosperity of Palace of Phaestos and Phaestos and was supposedly the residence of the ruler of Phaestos.

   The layout is somewhat simpler than then Minoan palaces, but nevertheless the luxurious complex is still impressive.

   In Agia Triada valuable finds and frescoes were found, which were missing in Phaestos, a unique vase, the "Prince's Cup", and boxer rhyton all decorated with scenes in relief.

   Near the ruins of the town two domed graves were discovered as well as the Sarcophagus of Agia Triada, decorated with cult scenes of sacrificial ceremonies.

   Treasures of almost immeasurable value are the 19 bronze ingots, each weighing 29 kg, dating from prehistoric times. One of the most extraordinary finds is the well-preserved waste water system.