Knossos Palace
Κνωσός
Europe's oldest palace and the centre of Minoan civilisation, begun around 1900 BCE. It is believed to be the prototype of the Labyrinth of the Minotaur, and Evans' restored red columns and frescoes have made it world-famous.
Knossos lies 5 km south of central Heraklion. It is the largest palace site of Minoan civilisation. It was first built around 1900 BCE, rebuilt after an earthquake around 1700 BCE, and covers 20,000 square metres with more than 1,300 rooms. It was destroyed by fire around 1350 BCE. From 1900, British archaeologist Arthur Evans excavated the site and used concrete to reconstruct parts of the buildings, painting the columns red and reproducing frescoes. Scholars still debate this approach, but it helps visitors picture what the palace looked like. The route includes the west court and ritual area, the Throne Room (home to the oldest throne in the world), the central court, the eastern wing with its grand staircase and the Queen's Chamber (dolphin fresco), the bull fresco at the north entrance, and the giant clay storage jars in the storerooms. The legends of the Labyrinth that Daedalus built for King Minos, and of Theseus slaying the Minotaur, are set here. The original frescoes (the Prince of the Lilies, the Bull-Leaping fresco and the Blue Lady) are in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, so it is strongly recommended to visit the museum first or buy a combined ticket. In the 2025 peak season, the combined ticket costs about 20 euros and the site ticket 15 euros, with half price from November to March. The site has almost no shade and is extremely hot in summer. Enter when it opens at 8:00, or come after 16:00, to avoid cruise-ship crowds between 10:00 and 14:00. Official guided tours cost about 10 euros per person, and tagging along with a tour makes the site easier to understand. Getting there: take bus No. 2 from near Lion Square in the city centre, about 20 minutes (around 2 euros), or a taxi for about 12 euros. Parking is paid. The visit takes 1.5 to 2 hours, so wear non-slip shoes and bring water.
Opening hours
Apr–Oct 08:00–20:00; Nov–Mar 08:30–15:30 (Tuesdays until 17:00)
Nearby sights
- Venetian Walls & Tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis
- Heraklion Archaeological Museum
- 1866 Street Market
- Church of Saint Titus
- Lions Square, Morosini Fountain & Venetian Loggia
- Agios Minas Cathedral
- Koules Fortress (Rocca a Mare)
- Historical Museum of Crete