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Welcome to Knossos, the Minoan Palace
In Crete, lies the great remnants of Knossos Palace, home of King Minos and the legendary Minotaur!
Online Tickets for Knossos Palace
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Most Recent News: Knossos Palace Prepares for Record Visitor Numbers in 2025
Knossos Official Opening hours:
Summer Opening Times
08:00 - 19:00 Free Parking adjacent to the site.
Show your smartphone Knossos Palace tickets at the entrance.
Entrance is possible 15' before to 60' after the timeslot of your choice!
16st to 31th October
08:00 - 18:00 Last Entrance to the Site at 17:30
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Knossos Entry Ticket Bundle for Today
May 22, 2025
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- +51 Pages Digital Companion , Hellenic Legacy Guide
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Knossos Self Guided Audio Tour
Experience seamless, eco and budget-friendly exploration with Knossos self-guided audio tour. Enjoy high-quality voiceover narration and intuitive, plain and easy-to-use interfaces, all while contributing to sustainable tourism practices without printing papers. Discover a smarter, more engaging and budget friendly way to explore Knossos.
Exploring Knossos Palace
Situated a mere 5 km south of Heraklion, the majestic Knossos Palace is a top-tier attraction for travellers in Crete. Its accessibility by both car and bus adds to its appeal.
The palace traces its origins back to the Neolithic era, with its most notable development phase occurring during the Minoan period. As the cornerstone of the Minoan civilisation, Knossos Palace held significant importance and was highly esteemed.
Step through the grand South Propylon, where the echoes of ancient processions still linger. Imagine ceremonial rites unfolding in the Central Court, with priests offering libations under the gaze of painted griffins. Beyond the storied walls, discover the mysterious North Lustral Basin, its purpose still debated by scholars, yet its aura undeniably sacred. At Knossos, every stone holds a secret waiting to be uncovered.
Present day visitors can meander through the captivating remnants of this ancient palace, gaining insights into its intriguing history and the role it played.
The Enthralling Ruins of Knossos Palace
The sprawling ruins of Knossos Palace are captivating, offering history aficionados a wealth of insights. Its remarkably preserved state provides an enchanting window into the everyday life of the Minoans. Besides being an architectural marvel, Knossos also housed the mythical Minotaur, according to legend, lending it an aura of enchantment.
It was considered a mystical location by King Minos, who purportedly kept the Minotaur within a labyrinth here.
Furthermore, Knossos holds the distinction of being the birthplace of Linear A writing, an ancient form of script, which, fascinatingly, remains partially undeciphered. Those with a passion for ancient cultures and histories will find Knossos Palace an irresistible destination.
Knossos: More Than Just a Palace
Knossos Palace stands out in historical records not merely as a royal residence but as a vibrant epicentre for administration, trade, and culture. Its numerous in-house workshops were bustling hubs where craftsmen fashioned goods destined for trade across the Mediterranean. Adding to its significance, it served as a critical port city, owing to its strategic coastal location. This amalgamation of economic, political, and cultural functions renders Knossos one of Europe’s most essential archaeological sites.
A Journey to Minoan Period
The epoch known as the Minoan period draws its moniker from the mythical King Minos, whose rule over Crete is part of ancient lore. This era is frequently regarded as Crete’s golden age, with the construction of Knossos Palace being one of its most notable achievements.
This grand palace was not just a vast residential complex but also functioned as the central government hub. It is widely believed that a volcanic eruption in 1450 BC led to the palace’s destruction. However, much of its remarkable art and architecture survived the ravages of time and can be experienced by present-day visitors.
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Library of Knossos
Audio Book - 12 Greek Mythology Bedtime Stories
From the Creation of the World to Hercules and from Olympus to the Minotaur. A unique narration with the voice of Grandpa Morpheus, the god of Dreams!
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- 12 High Quality Audio Narrations, Unlimited Plays!
- Great Intro to Greek Mythology
- Ideal Gift for kids up to 99yrs old!
- Instant Receive & Downloadable Content
- All Future Updates Included
For History Aficionados
Your Guide to the Palace's Secrets
- 51 Pages Digital Companion
- Archaeological Facts
- All Knossos PoI's (Little Palace, Caravanserai etc)
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- Deep History (made by using historical facts and research papers)
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For Little Explorers
Τales from Knossos children coloring book
- Beautifully Illustrated: Vivid, child-friendly illustrations.
- A blend of entertainment and education, introducing children to Greek mythology.
- Bonus Coloring Book: Includes a coloring book filled with exciting scenes.
For Foodies
Cretan Recipes CookBook
- Explore the Rich Culinary Heritage of Crete
- Authentic Recipes with Detailed Instructions
- Sweet and Savory Delights
- Celebrate Festivities with Cretan Traditions
- Comprehensive and Easy-to-Follow
For Big Explorers
Crete: The 2025 Guide
- Comprehensive Travel Insights
- Expert Travel Tips
- Rich Cultural Experiences
- Practical and Easy to Use
- Comprehensive and Easy-to-Follow
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- Unearth the remnants of Royal Palace, unparalleled in its magnitude, splendor, and refinement.
- Marvel at the intricate carvings on the walls, or wander through the courtyards and imagine what life was like in this ancient city.
- Appreciate the House of the Frescoes, famed for its mural artistry, and the Villa of Dionysos, a private residence boasting exquisite mosaic embellishments.
- 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.
Knossos Archaeological Site Points of Interest
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.
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
Knossos Palace inspired many artists through the history
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