Fratiani Kefala

High above the village Frati in South Rethymnon prefecture and north of the settlement we meet the Fratiani Kefala hill at altitide of 737 meters. This is a very steep hill with cliffs at most of its sides, which has very good views to the surrounding area and was used as a shelter in tough historical times.

Fratiani Kefala was chosen as a place for settling the Minoans during the so-called Dark Era that followed the Minoan disaster, i.e. between 1200 BC and 800BC, when the scared Minoans (for unknown reasons up to date) moved to the most isolated places of the island and built new settlements. Fratiani Kefala is located in a strategic point, reminding of a natural fortress between the gorges Kourtaliotiko and Fratiano .

In the whole area of Fratiani Kefala we still meet potsherds and ruins of the former post Minoan town, which was relatively large. At the highest point of the hill there is an imposing rock with ruins around that probably served as a peak sanctuary.