About 9 km from Rethymno, the Late Minoan Cemetery of Armeni sits among oak trees in a quiet forest. More than 230 graves, cut into the rock and dating from 1400 to 1200 BC, form an extensive burial ground that is still being excavated. Follow the shaded paths between grave clusters, read the information boards and, where accessible, enter some of the tombs. In spring, flowers brighten the paths. Artifacts found at the cemetery are displayed at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
A cemetery cut into the rock
The cemetery lies about 9 km from Rethymno, in a forest of Walloon and Kermes oaks. More than 230 graves were cut into the rock here between 1400 and 1200 BC. The site was discovered accidentally some decades ago and remains under excavation.
Shaded paths lead through the trees to clusters of graves. Some tombs are large enough to enter; bring a torch if you plan to look inside. Information boards at the site explain its history.
Finds from Armeni
Original artifacts recovered from the cemetery are displayed at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Seeing them there adds another stop for visitors interested in the objects found at the burial ground. In spring, flowers grow along the cemetery paths.
Perguntas frequentes
How many graves are at the Armeni cemetery?
More than 230 graves have been found at the site.
When do the graves date from?
They date from 1400 to 1200 BC.
Is there an entrance fee?
Plan for a fee of around €2.50 to €5 per adult; the amount may change.
