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Welcome to Knossos, the Minoan Palace

In Crete, lies the great remnants of Knossos Palace, home of Minos and the legendary Minotaur!

Knossos Opening hours: 08:00-20:00

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Online Tickets for Knossos Palace

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Visit the home of the Minotaur at this ancient Greek wonder

Exploring Knossos Palace

Knossos Palace is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Crete. It is located about 5 km south of Heraklion, and can easily be reached by car or bus. The palace was first built during the Neolithic period, but it saw its greatest expansion during the Minoan period. Knossos was the largest and most important palace of the Minoan civilization. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of this fascinating ancient palace, as well as learn about its history and significance. Tickets and prices are easy to find online – read on for more information!

Knossos: A Fascinating Mythical Palace

The ruins of Knossos palace are fascinating for a number of reasons. For one, the palace is incredibly well-preserved, and offers a glimpse into the lives of the Minoans. Additionally, the palace was considered to be a magical place – it was here that King Minos kept the legendary Minotaur in a labyrinth. Finally, Knossos was also the birthplace of Linear A writing, which is still not completely understood. If you’re interested in ancient civilizations or history, Knossos palace is definitely worth a visit!

What makes Knossos so impressive to historians is that it was not simply a residence for a royal family – it was also a center of government, commerce, and culture. The palace was home to many workshops where craftsmen produced goods for trade with other parts of the Mediterranean. And thanks to its location near the coast, Knossos also served as an important port city. All this combined makes Knossos one of the most significant archaeological sites in Europe.

A Journey to Minoan Period

The Minoan period is named after the legendary King Minos, who is said to have ruled the island of Crete during this time. The Minoan period is often considered to be the golden age of Crete, and it is during this time that the Knossos palace was built. The palace was a vast complex of buildings and courtyards, and was used as both a residence and a government center. It is believed that the palace was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1450 BC, but much of its art and architecture has been preserved and can still be seen today.

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Online Ticket: What you will see at Knossos Palace

  • Discover the remains of a royal palace, unmatched for its size, grandeur and sophistication.
  • Marvel at the intricate carvings on the walls, or wander through the courtyards and imagine what life was like in this ancient city.
  • Admire The House of the Frescoes, which has wall paintings, and the Villa of Dionysos, a private home with magnificent mosaic decorations.
  • Visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion as well to see more artifacts discovered in the palace, like as ceramics, wall paintings, and figurines, to get the entire experience.
  • See from close the world-famous Bull-Leaping Fresco and Leaping Dolphins adorning the Queen’s Megaron.
  • Relieve the legend of Minotaur, which was kept in the labyrinth, and learn about the palace’s connection to this ancient creature.
€18
General Admission Ticket

Knossos Archaeological Site Points of Interest

knossos south propylauem remnants

The South Propylaeum

This magnificent site, dating back over 3,000 years, is steeped in history and mythology. One of the most fascinating areas of the site is the South Propylaeum, a monumental structure that played a crucial role in ancient ceremonies and events. Join us as we delve into the secrets of the South Propylaeum and discover its importance to ancient Greek culture.

The Royal Villa at Knossos

Within the sprawling complex of Knossos lies the Royal Villa, a magnificent building that stands out for its unique architectural features and richly decorated interiors. In this blog post, we will delve into the fascinating history, architecture and cultural significance of the Royal Villa at Knossos, revealing some of the secrets of one of the world’s oldest civilizations

The Minoan Caravanserai

The Caravanserai, Built during the Neopalatial period, this two-story building served as a public reception venue for travelers and their goods. We will delve into its unique architecture, luxurious rooms, verandas, storerooms, central building and public function, plumbing system, and Stone Bath.

North Lustral Basin

During the Minoan period, many palaces and villas featured subterranean structures. Archaeologists have proposed several theories about the purpose of these structures, including storage, workshops, or even hiding places during times of war. However, many experts agree that the subterranean areas of Minoan palaces and villas were primarily used for purification ceremonies

The East Wing in Knossos Archaeological Site

The site is home to numerous structures, including the iconic East Wing, which was once the heart of the palace. The East Wing is an extraordinary architectural marvel and has fascinated scholars, archaeologists, and tourists alike for centuries. In this blog post, we will explore the history and significance of the East Wing, its architecture, and the various challenges involved in its preservation

The West Façade

As a significant cultural site dating back to the Bronze Age, the palace still holds vital clues to early Greek civilization and architecture. One of the most striking features of the Palace is the West Court and the façade that graces its wall.

The Minoan Civilization – A Testament to Human Ingenuity

Little Palace of Minoan Knossos

The Little Palace in Knossos, a magnificent edifice that served as a hub for palace administration, religious ceremonies, and social gatherings. In this blog post, we will take you on a journey through the history, architecture, religious functions, and restoration efforts of the Little Palace. As we unravel the mysteries of this marvel of Minoan Knossos, you will discover why it is an ideal destination for cultural tourists and history buffs alike.

The Temple Tomb

Located south of the Palace of Knossos, the Temple Tomb is one of the most fascinating ancient ruins in Crete. While its original purpose remains unknown, the Temple Tomb was likely used for both funerary and cult functions during the Neopalatial period. Over time, the building underwent successive phases of repair, and it still offers insight into the rich cultural and religious practices of the Knossian community. This blog post will explore the Temple Tomb’s history, architecture, and significance, inviting international tourists to discover this window into ancient Cretan culture

  • Take a tour in Crete and enjoy its beauty
Best Things to Do Near Knossos Palace in 2023

Best Things to Do Near Knossos Palace in 2023

Although Knossos is often thought of as nothing more than ruins, there is still plenty to see and do in the area. In fact, there are a number of activities that are perfect for travelers to enjoy in 2023. From exploring the ancient ruins to enjoying the beautiful beaches, here are some of the best things to do near Knossos in 2023.

Read The Guide

Knossos Palace inspired many artists through the history

KnossosImaginationPainting
Minotaur-Painting-Picasso
knossos painting by a traveller
wall paintings in ancient Knossos ruins

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15 Things to Do near Knossos

Crete is a city that is full of life and culture. If you're looking for things to do in Crete at summer, you won't be disappointed! There are plenty of activities to keep you busy during your stay.

How many days are enough? Things to Do in Crete.

This really depends on what you want to do while there. If you want to just relax on the beach, a few days is probably enough. However, if you want to explore all that the island has to offer, we would recommend spending at least a week there.

Crete as an international destination.

Crete is not only a beautiful destination for Greeks, but it is also an international one. In fact, Crete was recently voted as the “Best European Destination” by the prestigious Travelers’ Choice Awards. This is due to its wonderful mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. 

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