Knossos Palace & Archaeological Site: Entry Ticket
Visit the home of the Minotaur at this ancient Greek wonder
- Knossos Palace: Entry Ticket
- Archaeological Site: Entry Ticket
- Entrance to the Minoan Palace of Knossos
Knossos Palace & Archaeological Site Tickets and Information
- Knossos Palace Address: Φειδίου 8, Iraklio 714 09, Knossos
- Opening Hours: Daily: 08:00 - 20:00
Is Knossos Palace and Archaeological Site Worth Visiting
- A 9000-year old ruin steeped in history, we definitely think so, yes!
What You See At Knossos Palace & Archaeological Site
- The Minoan Palace of Knossos
- Thousands of years of history
- A UNESCO World Heritage Site
About Knossos Palace and Archaeological Site
Knossos Palace is an ancient archaeological site on the island of Crete in Greece. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece due to the belief that it may have been centre of the Minoan civilization, which flourished on Crete during the Bronze Age (circa: 3000-1100 BCE).
The palace was believed to have been built around 1900 BCE is thought to have been continuously occupied until it was destroyed by a fire that ravaged it in 1375 BCE. The complex would have been the political, administrative, and cultural hub of the Minoan civilization.
It was then rediscovered by the Minos Kalokairinos in 1878 and was later excavated by a British archaeologist, Sir Arthur Evans, between 1900 and 1931. The palace appeared to cover an area of about 20,000 square metres and consisted of multiple interconnected buildings, courtyards and staircases and was constructed of limestone and mud-brick, which was common at the time. This is also where the myth of the Minotaur comes from - due to the palace’s complex layout, although there isn’t any evidence, the legend has it that it was the labyrinth of the Minotaur!
Knossos is famous for its colourful frescoes which depict scenes of daily life as well as religious rituals and mythological motifs. The frescoes provide valuable insights into the Minoan culture, its history and art. When the excavations were being carried out, they also uncovered a pottery remains, tools, jewellery and other artifacts from the time, giving us more knowledge of the period.
At the heart of the palace lies the Central Court. This was a large open space that was surrounded by columns and it was likely that it had served as a gathering place for ceremonies and other activities.
You can see various remains including the Throne Room of King Minos, who was the first King of Crete. For those interested in history, the Palace of Knossos is definitely worth a visit.
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Knossos Palace FAQs
- What is Knossos Palace?
- Knossos Palace is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and is considered Europe’s oldest city! It was the political, cultural, and ceremonial centre of the Minoan civilization.
- Where is Knossos Palace?
- Knossos Palace is near Heraklion, the capital of Crete, in Greece.
- Why is Knossos often associated with labyrinths?
- Knossos is linked to the myth of the Labyrinth and the Minotaur, as its complex architectural layout resembles a maze.
- What are some key features of Knossos Palace?
- Features include elaborate frescoes, a throne room, storage areas, a central courtyard, and an advanced drainage system.
- What do the frescoes at Knossos Palace depict?
- The frescoes depict vibrant scenes of Minoan life, including bull-leaping, nature, and religious rituals.
- What is the significance of the "Throne Room" at Knossos Palace?
- The Throne Room contains a stone chair believed to be the seat of a Minoan ruler or priestess.
- Can you explore Knossos Palace?
- Yes, Knossos is open and is one of Greece’s most popular archaeological sites. Click HERE for ticket options.
Knossos Palace Fun Facts
- Oldest European City: Knossos is often called the oldest city in Europe, with settlements dating back to 7000 BCE!
- Massive Size: The palace covered around 20,000 square meters and had over 1,000 rooms!
- First Advanced Plumbing: The site features one of the earliest known examples of plumbing, including flushing toilets!
- Bull Symbolism: Bulls were significant in Minoan culture, symbolizing strength and fertility. The bull-leaping fresco is iconic.
- Linear A and Linear B: The site yielded tablets with these ancient scripts, giving insights into the Minoan and Mycenaean cultures.
- Vibrant Frescoes: Minoan frescoes used natural pigments and often depicted peaceful themes, unlike the warlike scenes of other ancient cultures.
- Earthquake Engineering: The palace was built with techniques to withstand earthquakes, such as wooden frames in the walls.
- Rediscovered in Modern Times: Knossos was buried for centuries and only rediscovered in the late 19th century.
- Still Full of Mysteries: Despite extensive research, many aspects of Minoan life and the palace's exact functions remain unknown.
Useful Information About Knossos Palace and Archaeological Site
Tips for Visiting Knossos Palace
- Book Tickets Online: Its fast and easy and convenient to do and can save you a lot of time from having to queue.
- Arrive Early or Late in the Day: The Palace of Knossos is a popular destination so it can get quite crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. To avoid the crowds and the heat, consider visiting early in the morning when it opens or later in the afternoon.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes and Bring Water: The site of Knossos is extensive, with uneven terrain and some steps so wear comfortable shoes. Additionally, Crete can get very hot, especially in the summer months, so bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. There are shaded areas and benches where you can take a break if needed.
How to get there
- Palace of Knossos, Φειδίου 8, Iraklio 714 09, Knossos
Opening Hours
- Monday: 08:00 - 20:00
- Tuesday: 08:00 - 20:00
- Wednesday: 08:00 - 20:00
- Thursday: 08:00 - 20:00
- Friday: 08:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 20:00
- Sunday: 08:00 - 20:00
