Petsofas, Peak sanctuary and mountain site in Sitia Municipality, Greece
Petsofas is a peak sanctuary standing at 215 meters elevation in eastern Crete with remains of ancient structures scattered across its summit. The mountain served as a religious site where people left offerings and sacred objects as part of their spiritual practices.
Archaeologist John Myres conducted excavations in 1903 and discovered clay figurines dating from 1400 to 1450 BC at this location. His findings confirmed that this mountain served as an important sanctuary for the Minoan people of eastern Crete.
The mountaintop contains ceramic altars, stone lamps, and clay building models that reveal how people practiced their faith during Minoan times. These objects show the religious customs and everyday rituals that took place at this sacred location.
The hiking route starts from Palekastro square and passes through Agathias settlement along marked paths and dirt roads. The entire trail is straightforward to follow with clear waymarks that help keep you on the correct route.
The archaeological collection includes rare clay figurines depicting weasels and tortoises that set this site apart from other peak sanctuaries in the region. These unusual representations suggest that the spiritual practices honored here had distinctive local characteristics.
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