HERAKLION

The Palace of Knossos

The Minoan palace of colours!

Knossos was the foremost centre of the Minoan Civilisation, one of the most splendid civilisations in human history. The renowned ancient city with the palace is the largest and most typical archaeological site ever discovered on the island of Crete. It is located at a distance of 6 km SE of Heraklion amidst olive groves, vineyards and cypress forests. According to tradition, the palace was the seat of the legendary King Minos. In addition to serving as the royal residence, it functioned as the administrative and religious hub of the region. The Palace is also connected with thrilling legends, such as the Minotaur and the myth of the Labyrinth, as well as the story of Daedalus and Icarus.

The impressive Minoan palace of Knossos,  built in two phases - first around 1900 B.C. and again from 1700-1450 B.C. - covers an area of 22,000 square meters. Visitors enter encounter three main wings. The throne room is situated in the west wing.

The eastern wing houses the royal chambers, the room with double axes, the queen's megaron adorned with the dolphin frescoes, and the workshop areas, notably including the stone carver's workshop. It also contains the storage rooms. The northern entrance features a customs house with columns and pillars. To the northwest of the palace, outside its bounds, are the lustral basin, the theatre and the royal road leading to the smaller palace. Northeast of the main palace you can explore the royal villa, and about 1 km further south lies the royal tomb.

The first systematic excavation at Knossos was carried out in 1878 by Minos Kalokerinos, a devoted antiquarian. However, it was Sir Arthur Evans who had the fortune of discovering the Palace. Evans, an Englishman, arrived at Knossos in 1894, and excavation works began soon after Crete gained independence in 1900. This work, which continued with several interruptions for 35 years, was conducted by Evans himself and his associates.
Interior of an ancient building with openings and frescoes on the walls

© MILITOS

An ancient painting depicting a bull alongside two men. A third man is jumping over the bull.

Interior of an ancient building with frescoes. Old wooden door on one side and marble throne on the other.

Interior of a historic building featuring Minoan columns and ancient frescoes on the walls.

Part of an ancient stone-built 2-storey building with a red column and openings. The interior of the upper floor and parts of walls can be seen.

Ancient pottery jars are displayed outdoors amid a scenic, mountainous landscape with trees and cloudy skies.

Tourists visit the partially reconstructed ruins of the Knossos Palace in Crete, Greece, under a clear blue sky.

Panoramic view of the ancient ruins of Knossos Palace, with stone structures and surrounding lush greenery under a clear blue sky.

Exterior view of an ancient building with dark colored columns and light colored surfaces. Paved enclosure and stone walls.