Landmarks

Ancient Falassarna

27 locals recommend,

Tips from locals

Aegean
August 9, 2021
The ancient town of Falasarna (or Phalasarna) is located at the west base of the peninsula Gramvousa and was one of the major towns of Crete during the Hellenistic Era. The city was famous for its port, the only natural harbor in western Crete, built in a small lagoon. In antiquity it was called Korikos, while the name Falasarna was possibly taken after the local nymph Falasarni. The opponent town in the region was that of Polirinia, which managed to turn Falasarna to its port after 100 years of conflicts (186BC). In Falasarna the archaeologists have identified parts of buildings and the acropolis overlooking the harbor with traces of strong walls. Moreover, east of the port a cemetery with 43 archaic graves has been found. The territory of Falasarna extended up to the tip of the peninsula of Gramvousa, where there was a temple. Also, a carved throne has been found within walking distance from the town, which was probably dedicated to the god of the sea, Poseidon, or was simply throne for speakers.
The ancient town of Falasarna (or Phalasarna) is located at the west base of the peninsula Gramvousa and was one of the major towns of Crete during the Hellenistic Era. The city was famous for its port, the only natural harbor in western Crete, built in a small lagoon. In antiquity it was called Kor…
Elias
June 10, 2021
An archaeological site of great importance for the region.
Dimitra
May 8, 2021
From this spot they controlled the sea routes towards northern Africa and Italy. Their city-state had laws and a political system that led to the development of a progressive community. The strength of the local economy rested on skill in navigating the sea, which led Phalasarna eventually to become a naval power. In the 4thcentury BC, Phalasarna fortified the city with huge walls and other military buildings. Ancient geographers described the “closed harbor”, which the Phalasarnians carved out of a lagoon, and surrounded with quays and defensive towers. The harbor design has Phoenician elements, and the famous “throne” of Phalasarna, which one today sees on the road traveling towards the archaeological site, was probably dedicated to the Phoenician goddess Astarte, protectress of sailors. The Phalasarnians traded with people all across the Mediterranean and must have had close relations with the Phoenicians. They also were famous as warriors; their skill in battle made them rich as mercenaries, and history mentions Phalasarnians as leaders of military campaigns of Greek kings.
From this spot they controlled the sea routes towards northern Africa and Italy. Their city-state had laws and a political system that led to the development of a progressive community. The strength of the local economy rested on skill in navigating the sea, which led Phalasarna eventually to become…
Maria
June 24, 2022
The ancient city of Falassarna (now more usually spelled Falassarna) was a major trading centre, with its own coins bearing the figure of a woman on one side, and the initials ΦΑ (FA) between the points of a trident, symbolic of the area, on the other. In ancient times Falassarna included the promontory with the hill of the acropolis, above the city harbour.
The ancient city of Falassarna (now more usually spelled Falassarna) was a major trading centre, with its own coins bearing the figure of a woman on one side, and the initials ΦΑ (FA) between the points of a trident, symbolic of the area, on the other. In ancient times Falassarna included the prom…
Fontas
February 15, 2017
Ancient history unfolded before your eyes, difficult to find, but it is worth the effort. The archeologists are very friendly to ask anything

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Location
Phalasarna