Kofinas Peak Sanctuary

Kofinas is the highest peak in the wild Asterousia Range with an altitude of 1231m and gets its name after its shape that resembles an inverted basket ( kofini in Greek). The peak, with stunning views to the South Cretan Sea, today hosts a temple of the Holy Cross ( Timios Stavros ), celebrating on September 14.

During the feast, an ancient dendrolatric (sacred tree) custom takes place, when the whitebeams from three "sacred" trees are blessed and given to the attendants. In 1960, the archaeologists revealed here perhaps the most important Minoan peak sanctuary of south-central Crete, consisting of a quadrilateral enclosure and stage.

The sanctuary flourished in 1700 – 1600BC but worship continued until the Roman Era, with intervals in between. The excavations revealed clay signs, figurines, metal plates, seals, and other devotional offerings.