TheMessara Plain or simplyMessara (Greek:Μεσσαρά) is analluvial plain in southernCrete, stretching about 50 km west-to-east and 7 km north-to-south, making it the largest plain in Crete.
On a hill at its west end are the ruins ofPhaistos andHagia Triada,[1] near the middle are the ruins of the ancient city ofGortys.
Since 1500 BC the plain has extended by up to 6 km due to a buildup ofalluvialsediment. Clays from Messara have been found to be the source of significant amounts ofMinoan pottery; soil and rock types from the fringes of Messara, particularly thefoothills of theAsterousia Mountains at the south and the foothills to the north within thePsiloritis Mountains.[2]
In the Messara,olive trees,vineyards and horticulturalcrops are grown. Part of the products grown here are placed on the domestic market. Α substantial part of the producedolive oil is then exported to European markets. The Messara Plain is also home to the indigenousMessara horse.[3][4][5]
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)35°02′14″N24°50′46″E / 35.03722°N 24.84611°E /35.03722; 24.84611
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