Culture of the Minoan civilization, which flourished on Crete more than 3,000 years ago.

The palace of Knossos was the ceremonial and political center of the Minoan civilization, and it is believed to have been the residence of the Minoan king. The palace was built around 1900 BCE and was destroyed by fire around 1700 BCE. The palace was excavated by Arthur Evans in the early 20th century and much of the palace was restored to reflect how it would have looked in its heyday.

Visitors to the palace can explore the vast complex, which includes a number of impressive architectural features, such as the throne room, the queen’s megaron, and the famous frescoes. The palace also includes the oldest known paved street in Europe, with an underground sewage system, and an advanced plumbing system.

One of the highlights of the palace is the famous frescoes which depict various scenes from Minoan daily life and mythology. They are one of the most important surviving examples of Minoan art and are considered some of the finest examples of fresco painting from the ancient world.

As you explore the palace, your guide will provide insight into the daily life of the Minoans and the significance of their advanced civilization. You will learn about the palace’s impressive architectural features and the role they played in Minoan society.

The palace is open to visitors year-round and guided tours are available in multiple languages. The guided tour and the entrance fee to the palace are typically included in the tour price, and If you’re interested, you can also arrange a tour that includes round-trip transportation to and from your hotel in Heraklion.

Don’t miss the opportunity to step back in time and explore one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Mediterranean at Knossos Palace.