Kommos Archaeological Site lies on the southern coast of Crete, a little north of Matala. It used to be a Minoan harbour town. Excavations at this site first started with Sir Arthur Evans in 1924 and were later carried out between 1976 and 2005 by Canadian archaeologists led by Joseph Shaw. Sir Arthur Evans heard that there were large storage vessels found in the area and speculated about the existence of a Bronze Age “customs house”. Kommos Archaeological Site is different from the traditional “Palatial” style of the Minoans. It was situated atop the ruins of a smaller Stone Age Settlement. The site was said to have been abandoned several times. During the Minoans period, parts of the site were used as a pottery studio, with a large kiln still in evidence. Most buildings in Kommos were not identified with their real purpose. However, archaeologists found out that some foundations belonged to a sanctuary. Several ceramic shreds have been unearthed from the Late Minoan city of Kommos. Kommos is the distinct Aegean site where the Late Bronze Age undecorated pottery has been recovered.
At present, Kommos Archaeological site is not open to the public. To ensure its preservation, all efforts are being made regarding its preservation. However, visitors can still get a glimpse of the historical site by walking around the outer fence. The fascinating building complex excavated in the town includes a temple, a prytaneion, a round enclosure, and a courtyard with four square altars. As the excavation begins, so thus the preservation of the site. With the everyday threat of soil erosion and other environmental factors, both the government of Greece and the locality of Crete have made some contributions to the preservation of Kommos Archaeological site. A historical place like Kommos Archaeological Site is definitely worth preserving, not only does it depict the early Minoas culture, but it also represents the craftsmanship of the early Minoan people. It is evident from the remaining buildings on the site how intricate and meticulous the people of the ancient times were.
What is the history of Kommos Archaeological Site?
The Kommos Archaeological Site used to be a Minoan harbour town. Excavations at this site first started with Sir Arthur Evans in 1924 and were later carried out between 1976 and 2005 by Canadian archaeologists led by Joseph Shaw. Sir Arthur Evans heard that there were large storage vessels found in the area and wondered about the existence of a Bronze Age “customs house”. The excavations were later carried out by a team of Canadian archaeologists headed by Joseph Shaw. During the excavation, a large palatial-style building, and a sanctuary have been excavated. There are potteries from central Greece. The Cyclades, Cyprus, the eastern coasts of the Mediterranean, and Egypt were found in the archaeological site of Kommos. The Minoans were the first inhabitants of Kommos. The Minoan “domestic economy” during that time included raising pigs, sheep, goats, and cattle. Minoans made wine, pressed olives, and ground grain in ways that up to now were still used in Crete. There was a fine olive press found in the Hilltop complex. The incidence of domestic and foreign pottery proves that a wide network of trade has tied Kommos to the entire ancient world.
How was daily life in Kommos?
The Minoans were the first inhabitants of Kommos. The Minoan “domestic economy” during that time included raising pigs, sheep, goats, and cattle. Minoans made wine, pressed olives, and ground grain in ways that up to now were still used in Crete. There was a fine olive press found in the Hilltop complex. The occurrence of domestic and foreign pottery proves that a wide network of trade has tied Kommos to the rest of the ancient world.
How was the Kommos Archaeological Site constructed?
The Kommos archaeological site is situated on the shore of the Libyan Sea. After many years of excavation, Kommos is revealed as a major harbour, with monumental Minoan palatial buildings. It has large stone storage complexes and a Minoan town. Found in the site are the complicated building sequences, including the Minoan shipsheds, partly built over the great Building T, which is of palatial scale. It has a central court with stoas at its north and south ends. The series of later temples, including the Phoenician-style Tripillar Shrine inside the Geometric Temple B. The earliest architectural evidence is the formation of an impressive artificial platform right by the seashore, and a walkway leading west to the sea. A focal point of all the building compounds constructed on the flat land is the massive open area in the form of a court. The Kommos monumental buildings are one of a kind, not only because of their size and form but also for their structure. There are examples of the ashlar technique in Minoan architecture that can be found in the northern facade of Neopalatial building T. The timber reinforcement of the long walls of the galleries of Postpalatial Building P is also equally impressive. Most of the architecture in the site of Kommos is made up of fragments of plaster from walls, floors, and ceilings deriving primarily from Building T. They consist of high quality such as veined stones.
What methods were used to excavate Kommos Archaeological Site?
Excavations in Kommos started with Sir Arthur Evans in 1924 and were later carried out between 1976 and 2005 by Canadian archaeologists led by Joseph Shaw. Sir Arthur Evans heard that there were large storage vessels found in the area and speculated about the existence of a Bronze Age “customs house”. Large-scale parts of the Protopalatial and the Neopalatial settlements have been excavated. There were palatial-style buildings and a sanctuary of the ancient years. The massive colonnaded buildings, in the flat area, were believed to be a shipyard or a warehouse.
Is Kommos Archaeological Site open to the public?
No, Kommos Archaeological site is not open to the public. Part of the ancient town has been excavated. The excavations were completed in 2005, and part of the site has been covered to protect it from the weather. The entire area is under protection by the archaeological authorities and building is not permitted.
What are the nearest attractions in Kommos Archaeological Site?
Listed below are the nearest attractions in Kommos Archaeological Site.
- Kommos Beach: Kommos beach is famous for its long and sandy beach. It is located about 65-70 kilometres from Heraklion. The Kommos beach is so long that no matter how many people visit the area, it won’t get crowded and there is always plenty of space. However, the beach is not yet developed, mainly because the Ephorate of Archaeology does not allow building in protected archaeological sites such as Komos.
- Paximadia Islets: Paximadia islets consist of two uninhabited islets off the Gulf of Messara, 12 km south of Agia Galini. It looks like a single island from afar because the two islets are very close. Known to locals as “Elephant”, because the islets remind them of a lying elephant. The water around the two islets is deep blue, and it is perfect for snorkelling and spearfishing.
- Matala Beach: Matala beach is a popular tourist destination located on the southern coast of Crete. The beach has a hippie atmosphere. There are fascinating man-made caves that can be seen on Matala beach. It has a laid-back village with vibrant shops and alleys. The beach of Matala is a wide sandy bay with deep, crystal-clear water.
How was Kommos Archaeological Site preserved?
The archaeological site of Kommos is well protected as far as building permits and infrastructure are concerned, it is prohibited to construct buildings near the site. Efforts are being made to preserve the site. There are roof shelters built to provide protection for the fragile pottery kiln within the stoa and the Greek temple sanctuary area. In 2007, a non-profit organisation was established to seek funding and further implement the proposed conservation. The organisation is called Kommos Conservancy. Its main goal is conservation, providing interpretation, and development for visitation and dedication.
What is the contribution of Kommos Archaeological Site to Crete Tourism?
The tourism industry in Greece, especially on the island of Crete, has become the fastest-growing tourism market in Greece. It has recorded a 60% growth in the past six years. Crete is well known to have its long tradition and history, especially in culture. It is also very safe for tourists from around the globe. There are many great places to visit in Crete, and one of them is the Kommos Archaeological Site. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the global tourism industry has been greatly affected. Travelling is prohibited during the peak of Covid-19. The tourism industry in Crete has declined, and there are no tourists coming to the island. Now that the world has opened its way, especially in travelling, the tourism industry is expected to be back in Crete. A total of 4.55 million international tourists visited Greece between January and July 2021. This only shows that people are now back to travelling and spending their holidays in beautiful places. The travel restrictions are also improving, but still observing Covid-19 health protocols.
Can you rent a car to get to the Kommos Archaeological Site?
Yes, you can rent a car to go to Kommos Archaeological Site. The perfect choice would be a rented car. Car rentals will give one the freedom, and flexibility to travel, how and when they want to visit a place. There are several car rental companies in Heraklion that offer the best prices. There are a lot of options for tourists who wish to travel using a rented car. One can rent a car for just a day tour, or spend the whole holiday driving a rented car for a month.
What are the factors to consider before renting a car in Crete?
Listed below are the factors to consider before renting a car in Crete.
- Insurance: Car rental insurance protects a passenger against the cost of damage when renting a car. Crete car rental includes insurance for collision damage waiver and a driver’s credit card is required as a guarantee.
- Driver’s age: The legal age requirement to rent a car in Crete is between 21 old. One must have a valid driving licence for at least a year.
- Driver’s gender: Both women and men can drive in Crete. As long as the driver is of the legal age of 21, driving is allowed in Crete, regardless of gender.
- Car type: One must learn how to choose the right car to rent in Crete. Travelling with groups or family members requires a much bigger car. Car rental companies in Crete offer a variety of cars to choose from. Choosing a smaller car is best when driving in Crete. The reason for that is that some Greek roads are narrow.
- Documents needed for renting a car: One important document needed for renting a car is a valid driving licence. One can use a debit or a credit card too. A valid passport or id card may be presented as documents as well.
How much does a car rental in Crete cost?
Crete is a gorgeous island with several tourist spots that can be travelled using a rented vehicle. Crete car rental costs vary depending on the number of passengers, itinerary, car type, location, and duration. The average cost of renting a vehicle in Crete is around €30 to €40 per day. A car rented for a whole week will cost an average of €250. Renting a vehicle for the weekend will cost around €78. Car rental rates in Crete vary depending on the car type. Car rental companies offer a variety of cars depending on customers’ preferences.
Are children permitted at the Kommos Archaeological Site?
No, children, as the rest of the public are not permitted in the Archaeological site. Part of the ancient town has been excavated. However, there are several fun places in Crete to take your kids. Kids may enjoy a visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, which houses significant artefacts and exhibits. The excavations were completed in 2005, and part of the site has been covered to protect it from the weather.
Are the stones from Kommos kept in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum?
Yes, the stones from Kommos are kept in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. At present, most of the olive oil production finds from Kommos, as well as some metal objects, and clay are housed in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. It is Greece’s largest and most important museum. There are several interesting artefacts that can be found from the early Minoan civilizations inside the Heraklion Archaeological museum. A visit to the island of Crete wouldn’t be complete if one did not visit the Knossos Palace and Archaeological Museum too.
