The Minoan (2000-1400 BC) ruins here, as at Phaistos, occupy a magnificent site (its ancient name is unknown) overlooking Messarás Plain and Bay. The ruins include a palace, which may have been the residence of a dignitary or a relative of the princes of Phaistos, and a Mycenaean Village (1375-1100 BC) in which the agora was bordered by a portico with shops.

The massive outline of the Frankish castle (Frangokástele) is visible from afar; it was built in 1371 by the Venetians as a defence against pirates, Turks and insurgent Sfakiots. It is rectangular in plan with crenellated walls and a square tower at each corner, one of which was reinforced to form the keep. It surveys the empty sea as if it were at the ends of the earth (during the low season at any rate). Over the sea gate the lion of St Mark looks down on the remains of the deserted harbour next to a fine sandy beach.

Recent excavations have uncovered the impressive ruins of the praetorium, a huge building that was both an administrative seat for the province and the Governor's residence. It was built of brick under Trajan in the 2C, then reconstructed in the 4C following an earthquake. Identifiable areas include a vast chamber (basilica), the baths, and the courtyard of a temple surrounded by a portico. The drums of its columns are lying beside the bases. Several damaged statues have been recovered.

Zeus is said to be entombed inside this mountain (811m), where votive offerings (given in fulfillment of a vow) from a Minoan sanctuary have been found. Its silhouette is thought to resemble the profile of a sleeping man, whom popular belief claims to be Zeus himself. From the top, crowned by a pilgrimage church at the edge of a steep cliff, there is a vast panorama over Iráklio and the sea to the north, Mount Díkti to the east, and Mount Ida to the west.