Minoan palace

Knossos

Heraklion, Crete · Greek Islands · Greece

The largest Bronze Age site on Crete, the centre of Minoan civilisation, about 5 km south of Heraklion.

Knossos was the greatest of the Minoan palaces, a vast complex of courts, storerooms and royal apartments linked in legend to King Minos and the labyrinth of the Minotaur. Parts were controversially reconstructed in concrete by Arthur Evans in the early 20th century, which helps you picture it. Come at opening time or late afternoon to avoid the heat and the tour groups, and visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum to see the frescoes and finds.

  • Minoan palace
  • Go early or late
  • Pair with the museum