Vathypetro Minoan villa

Vathipetro is a very small settlement located 4km and 20km south of Archanes and Heraklion , respectively, in a location with spectacular views to the south side of Jiouchtas Mount and the dam of Chalavrianos . At position Piso Livadia , next to the village and the road connecting Archanes to Houdetsi , a Minoan mansion was revealed in 1949 by Spiros Marinatos .

The excavations were completed in 1956, but restoration took place also in 1973. One of the restored rooms hosts a small exhibition with findings from the site.

This small palace was built in 1600BC but was destroyed in 1550BC to get restored partially in 1450BC. It had two floors, a central courtyard and was used as a luxury country house for a Minoan officer.

The place housed an olive press, a wine press, a warehouse with 16 jars, a pottery workshop and a beautiful jar for carrying olive oil.