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Atop the hill of Patella, near the village of Prinias in the Malevizi province, you’ll find the charming chapel of Saint Panteleimon, offering breathtaking views in every direction. Patela is home to the ancient Minoan town of Rizinia or Apollonia, which thrived until the Roman era. Excavations by the Italian Archaeological School uncovered a small 5th-century BC fort with metal weaponry, two 7th-century BC temples (one likely dedicated to Rhea), and a temple dedicated to the Minoan Goddess of Snakes.
Notable discoveries include a frieze featuring horsemen, deer, and panthers, two seated goddess statues, and pottery sherds that confirm the worship of Athena in the 2nd century BC. An inscription with the letters (I)ZENIA(A), also found on inscriptions at Gortyn, was crucial in identifying the city as Rizinia. Every four years, Rizinia provided animals for sacrifice to the Idaean cave.
A road from Prinias leads to the hill of the ancient city, followed by a short uphill path. This large, extensive archaeological site is definitely worth exploring. Almost across the road, a cemetery has been discovered, and on the way to the village of Asites, you’ll come across the Siderospilies (Iron Caves) – Roman-era tombs carved into soft limestone. Don’t miss the carved wine presses at Patitiria, the Patella waterfall, and the unique rock formations known as Grias Pites, all located beneath Patella.
Get directions to Ancient Rizinia
Find below the list of hotels near Ancient Rizinia:
Offering a garden and garden view, Cozy village house in Ano Asites is situated in Áno Asítai, 24 km from Venetian Walls and 25 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum. This apartment is 22 km from Pankritio Stadium and 23 km from Stadium Theodoros Vardinogiannis.
The apartment is composed of 1 separate bedroom, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a fridge, and 1 bathroom. Towels and bed linen are available in the apartment.
The Palace of Knossos is 28 km from the apartment, while Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 40 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 27 km from Cozy village house in Ano Asites.
from
€63
/night
Boasting inner courtyard views, Xenios Dias features accommodation with a balcony and a kettle, around 31 km from Venetian Walls. It has a garden, a shared lounge, garden views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The holiday home features 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
The holiday home offers a picnic area. A car rental service is available at Xenios Dias, while hiking and walking tours can be enjoyed nearby.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 32 km from the accommodation, while The Palace of Knossos is 35 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 34 km from Xenios Dias.
Situated in Kerásia, 21 km from Venetian Walls and 22 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Lux Aprt in a Graphical Village features air-conditioned accommodation with a terrace and free WiFi. This apartment offers accommodation with a balcony.
This apartment features 1 bedroom, a kitchen with an oven and a toaster, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and 2 bathrooms fitted with an a bath or shower.
The Palace of Knossos is 25 km from the apartment, while Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 37 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 24 km from Lux Aprt in a Graphical Village.
from
€53
/night
Set in Kato Asites, villa kastelas provides accommodation with an outdoor pool.
The country house offers a barbecue.
Heraklio Town is 20 km from villa kastelas. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 22 km from the accommodation.
Set in Síva, 19 km from Venetian Walls and 20 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Villa Lambraki offers air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. The property features quiet street views and is 23 km from The Palace of Knossos and 35 km from Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos.
The holiday home is fitted with 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
A car rental service is available at the holiday home.
Pankritio Stadium is 18 km from Villa Lambraki, while Stadium Theodoros Vardinogiannis is 18 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 23 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a free airport shuttle service.
from
€166
/night
Boasting mountain views, Aggelina offers accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 23 km from Venetian Walls. This property offers access to a terrace and free private parking.
With free WiFi, this country house features a flat-screen TV, a washing machine and a kitchen with an oven and microwave. Towels and bed linen are available in the country house.
Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 24 km from the country house, while The Palace of Knossos is 27 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 27 km from Aggelina.
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