- Marvel at the most important and better-known palace of Minoan civilization
- Explore its workrooms, living spaces, and storerooms
Experience Knossos Palace which is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and probably the ceremonial and political centre of the Minoan civilization and culture. Knossos is the birthplace of Minoan civilization and the origin of the myth of labyrinth. It contains the largest of the Minoan palaces which dated back to 2000 B.C. that has been partially restored.
Excavated in the early 20th century by the great English archaeologist Arthur Evans. The ruins and rebuilt parts belong to the last and largest Minoan Palace, the labyrinth of Knossos. Built 3700 years ago, is over 1000 pieces. This palace was even a health system and was decorated with impressive murals. The throne of King Minos is still intact.
The city of Knossos remained important through the Classical and Roman periods, but its population shifted to the new town of Chandax (modern Heraklion) during the 9th century AD. By the 13th century, it was called Makryteikhos 'Long Wall'; the bishops of Gortyn continued to call themselves Bishops of Knossos until the 19th century. Today, the name is used only for the archaeological site.
Operation hours: November 1st – March 31st: Every day: 08:30 – 17:00 (last admission 16:45)
April 1st – October 31st:| Every day from 1-4-2022: 08:00 – 20:00 (last admission 19:45) from 1-9-2022: 08.00-19.30 (last admission 19:15) from 16-9-2022 08.00-19.00 (last admission 18:45) from 1-10-2022: 08.00-18.30 (last admission 18:15) from 16-10-2022: 08.00-18.00 (last admission 17:45)
For people with disabilities, there is a separate entrance on the side of Vas. Herakleiou Street, accessed either by a ramp from the main view of the Museum or directly from the pavement of Vas. Herakleiou.