Praesus or Praisos

The ancient city of Praisos is situated across three hill-citadels, located 1 kilometre north of the village of N Praisos (Vaveli).

Acropolis A, the tallest among them, was once encircled by a wall, visible today primarily in its northeastern section. In this area, a remarkable Hellenistic building was excavated, believed to be either the residence of a wealthy ruler or a public guesthouse. Acropolis C earned the name Hill-Altar due to the discovery of an altar dating back to the 8^th-7^th century BC. This altar bore two inscriptions in the Eteocretan language and yielded various artefacts, including shields, helmets, breastplates, shins, as well as clay and bronze figurines. Among these findings, the clay figurine of a lion, symbolising the goddess Rhea, stands out as particularly significant.

One of the most significant discoveries from the excavations is a collection of four vaulted tombs containing elaborate funeral offerings.

Info: Municipality of Sitia

Photos: Wikipedia

Photo 3: visitsitia.gr