Ausgrabungsstätten

Late Minoan Cemetery of Armeni

Rethymno, Rethymno

About

Over 230 rock-cut tombs in an oak forest.

The Late Minoan cemetery of Armeni lies in an oak forest near the village of Armeni, about 10 km south of Rethymno. It's the largest Late Minoan cemetery ever found, with more than 230 rock-cut chamber tombs, used between about 1390 and 1190 BC.

The tombs have long corridors (dromoi) leading down into burial chambers. Finds include clay coffins, pottery, weapons and jewellery, now in the Rethymno museum.

The setting in the oak forest is peaceful and beautiful.

The cemetery covers about 35 acres and is considered the most intact Minoan cemetery ever excavated, as only a few tombs had been looted. A stirrup jar with the Linear B word "wi-na-jo" suggests contact with the Mycenaeans. The site is shady and peaceful, and walking among the tombs under the oaks is a special experience.

Highlights & amenities

Entry: Free

Facilities

Eintritt

Around Rethymno

Rethymno sits between the mountains and two seas, and it is the easiest region to combine with the rest of the island. Its old town and Fortezza are among the best preserved on Crete, with Venetian doorways, Ottoman wooden balconies and a long sandy beach right next to the centre. More about Rethymno