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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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New Bundle Ticket: Knossos Palace & Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Knossos Official Opening hours:

Season Opening Times

08:00 - 19:00 Last Entrance to the Site 18:30
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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Today Quick Entry to Knossos with an Exclusive Digital Guide

Future Entry Ticket Until End of Season with Digital Companion Guide

Knossos Self Guided Audio Tour - only 5€

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.

Library of Minos

Greek Mythology Audio Book Banner

Audio Book - 12 Greek Mythology Bedtime Stories for Kids

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!

For History Aficionados

Your Guide to the Palace's Secrets

-Single License-

For Little Explorers

Myths and tales from Knossos for children +coloring book

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For Foodies

Cretan Recipes CookBook

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For Big Explorers

Crete: The 2024 Guide

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Relieve the legend of Minotaur, which was kept in the labyrinth, and learn about the palace’s connection to this ancient creature.​

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.

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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Knossos Archaeological Site Points of Interest

knossos south propylauem remnants. History of Ancient Crete

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.

royal villa remnants in Knossos Palace in Heraklion

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 in knossos

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 of Knossos archaeological excavations

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

east wing of knossos

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

west facede of knossos

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.

photo of the sun over the little palace of knossos

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.

temple tomb of the site

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

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

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