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Praesus (now known as Pressos) stood atop three hills, approximately 13km south of Sitia and a mere 2km from today’s Nea Pressos, formerly Vaveli. Established by the Eteocretans, who fled the Minoan cities after the Dorian invasion around 1100 BC, they settled in Crete’s secluded regions. Two ports served Praesus, one near Sitia (Etea) and another on the southern coast (Stales).
Initially, the Eteocretans maintained their Minoan traditions, language, and religious practices. Archaeological finds here include inscriptions in the Minoan language using Greek characters, offering significant insights into deciphering the Minoan language. Over time, the city adopted a democratic constitution, akin to the Dorian city-states.
All its hills functioned as strongholds, with the tallest encircled by a defensive wall and remnants of a grand mansion. One hill reveals traces of an altar and various artefacts from sacrificial rites. Remarkably, an athlete’s tomb was discovered here, along with possible Panathenaic Game awards.
As a dominant Cretan city, Praesus minted its own coins bearing various icons like Hercules and Zeus. The city vied with Itanos and Ierapytna for control over Palekastro’s Zeus temple and Koufonissi island. However, by 155 BC, Ierapytna overpowered and razed Praesus, leading its inhabitants to retreat to the Etea port and establish New Praesus.
Italian archaeologists Halbherr and Mariani initiated the site’s excavations in the 1880s. Presently, visitors can explore a sprawling archaeological area dotted with ancient churches, temples, fortifications, and more.
Get directions to Pressos Archaeological Site
Find below the list of hotels near Pressos Archaeological Site:
Located in Sitia within 37 km of Vai Palm Forest, HILL SANDALI HOUSE provides accommodation with free WiFi, a flat-screen TV and a kitchen.
Some units include a seating area and/or a balcony.
The apartment offers a sun terrace.
The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 15 km from HILL SANDALI HOUSE.
Set in Sitia, within 29 km of Vai Palm Forest, Elisavet sports villa offers accommodation with air conditioning. This villa has a private pool, a garden and free private parking.
With free WiFi, this 1-bedroom villa offers a flat-screen TV, a washing machine and a kitchen with an oven and fridge. Towels and bed linen are offered in the villa.
The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 7 km from the villa.
Boasting garden views, Olive House Traditional Villa with Pool features accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 28 km from Vai Palm Forest. This villa has a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa features 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
The reception at the villa can provide tips on the area.
At Olive House Traditional Villa with Pool guests are welcome to take advantage of a fitness centre. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at the accommodation, while fishing can be enjoyed nearby.
The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 6 km from Olive House Traditional Villa with Pool.
Located in Sitia, within 26 km of Vai Palm Forest, George’s Home offers accommodation with air conditioning. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The apartment is equipped with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 5 km from the apartment.
Featuring inner courtyard views, Traditional Cretan House Lithostrati Karidi Village offers accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 31 km from Vai Palm Forest. It features a garden, barbecue facilities, garden views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The holiday home is fitted with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a TV with streaming services, 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 Traditional Cretan House Lithostrati Karidi Village, while cycling and walking tours can be enjoyed nearby.
The nearest airport is Sitia Public, 25 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€76
/night
Set 47 km from Vai Palm Forest, Arismari Apartments offers accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking.
The apartment provides guests with a terrace, mountain views, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a toaster, and a private bathroom with bath and a hair dryer. A fridge, a stovetop and kitchenware are also featured, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 29 km from Arismari Apartments.
from
€65
/night
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