The Palace of Phaistos, 20km from Agia Galini is one of most important Minoan palaces and the second largest (about 18.000 sq.m) compared to the one of Knossos, erected into a hill on the western edge of the largest and richest plain of Messara. From this point, the local lord-king had the control not only over the goods of the plain but even the exit to the sea and the ports of the bay of Messara. The palace of Phaistos is a typical model of Minoan palace because of its exceptional, architectural composition and impeccable construction.