Knossos Palace ~ Top Sights Not To Be Missed

Crete’s illustrious history elevates it among the Greek Islands, Crete was the foundation of civilisation’s oldest culture, the Minoans, and the island has inspired epic tales of monsters and heroes.

The Minotaur is one of Crete’s most famous mythical beasts, having the head of a bull and the body of a man, and his home was the Palace of Knossos.

The bronze age palace at Knossos is the largest and most important ancient archaelogical site on the island of Crete, and is a must-see attraction for visitors.

1.    Central Court
Minoan palaces were built around a central courtyard, and at Knossos this would have been the focal point, used for ceremonies and royal audiences.

2.    Piano Nobile

This massive chamber on the upper floor of the palace building was dubbed the “noble hall” by Sir Arthur Evans, who believed it may have been used as an audience chamber by the Minoan monarchs. The walls are decorated with copies of the fabulous frescoes of leaping bull dancers - the most famous images of Knossos.

3.    Dolphin Frescoes
Another famous image from Knossos is that of the leaping dolphins to be found on the walls of the queen’s rooms, which have a bath and a flush lavatory!

4.    Storehouses
Giant earthenware jars, called pithoi, with a capacity up to 200 litres are contained in the storehouses or “magazines”, and were used by the Minoans to store olive oil, olives, grain and other supplies. These massive jars are still produced and used to this day.

5.    South Portico
The imposing south gateway to the palace complex has been partially restored, and is decorated with copies of the flowing Procession fresco.  The roof of this porch was originally supported by four tapering wooden columns.

6.    Great Staircase
Three smaller stairways and a maze of corridors would once have led off the five broad, shallow stone steps of the grand staircase. Four of these wide steps still survive, and a copy of the original Shield fresco, which was found here, decorates this part of the palace complex.

7.    Hall of Double Axes
The hallway leading to the King’s chamber is named after the double-bladed axe symbols carved into its walls and columns. The double axe was a characteristic symbol of Knossos and its empire.

8.    North Entrance Passage
A fresco of a charging bull, one of the enduring symbols of Knossos, adorns the entrance to this passage. Either side of the entrance are ruined chambers and deep stone storage pits. Images of sacred bulls outlasted the enigmatic Minoan civilization and helped foster the legend of the Minotaur.

9.    Throne Room
Here, a stone throne – supposedly that of King Minos – stands next to a basin. The basin is believed to have been used for ritual purification, possibly before sacrifices were made to the gods.

10.    Bust of Sir Arthur Evans
A bust of Evans stands at the site entrance, in honour of the man who first traced the legendary palace of King Minos to this hillside above Heraklion. However, his broad reconstructions of Knossos Palace owe much to his imagination.

…ooOoo…

TIPS TO REMEMBER WHEN VISITING KNOSSOS

Tip 1
Take plenty of bottled water, face wipes, cool spray, as walking around such an expansive ancient archaeological site can be quite exhausting and if you’re not careful, you’ll end up feeling bit of a relic yourself!

If you have small children, be sure to take a stroller, hats and head protection, as well as plenty of sun block.  If it’s windy, it can get a bit dusty, and in high season, it’s plain hot and dry.

Tip 2
The official car park, situated next to the entrance to Knossos, is free of charge. If possible, take a few minutes longer to find a shadey spot to park your car, bearing in mind the movement of the sun. While you’re enjoying Crete’s most famous historic site, your car can transform into a burning hot oven.  You have been warned!

Tip 3
The best time of day to visit Knossos is early morning, before the tourist coaches arrive and disgorge, and before the sun is at its hottest.

Posted in: Crete History, Crete Life | Comments(14)

A couple of weeks ago, the eminent blogger, Durano Lawayan of the intelligent, humanitarian blog, The Spitting Vessel awarded Crete Delights the Brillante Weblog. To accompany the award, Durano penned the most complimentary testamonial.

“This is an evolving blog of an internet marketer whose evident success has brought her closer to her dream relocation paradise - Crete.  Originally based in the UK, Layne writes in crisp, and at times, irreverent tones, that is spiced with all types of British jargon and topped by that unmistakable English charm and humor.“

“A blogger known for her passionate endorsement of Entrecard and its proper use, Layne is such an unselfish Marketer who would openly and unconditionally provide assistance, seek support for other bloggers’ difficulties, and even empty all her marketing resources to anyone who asks or needs it for free.  Her writing is insightful, funny, and witty, yet full of warmth and enthusiasm - like an 18 year old experiencing her first summer vacation alone with a friend. Crete Delights is a delightful read.”

The requirements of accepting the Brillante Weblog award are:

• Post about receiving the award, and link to the site that nominated yours.
• Pick your own handful of blogs to award the Brillante Weblog.

Below is my selection for the award, and each site has an artiste at its helm - painters, photographers, designers, jewellers, and even a feline fashionista.  The common threads to these sites are creativity, originality, design and beauty, and these aspects are well illustrated by the fresh ideas and beautiful artwork, delicate and desirable jewellery, and inspiring lifestyles.

Triz Designs ~ Beautiful Beading
Ragamufyn ~ Vibrant art, fashion and lifestyle
Daisy the Curly Cat ~ Capers and cartoons
The Bearded Bunny ~ Art for the community
Amy Lilley Designs ~ Art & photography
Gregorio’s Art Studio ~ Art and artefacts

Ragamufyn will say, “who the hell is this person?” as she doesn’t know me from Adam!  I think the rest of you have had some contact with me, though possibly when I’ve been wearing one of my other hats!

If your blog is one of those I’ve listed, you’re under no obligation to do anything whatsoever, just enjoy any additional traffic generated by the gesture.  Some people don’t participate in tags, and sometimes it’s not appropriate for the website itself.

On this occasion, I wanted to acknowledge Crete Delights having received such a glowing testamonial, and that required compiling my own list of award winners, so, enjoy the link love and attention! Kiss, kiss……

Many thanks, Durano.

Posted in: Crete Life | Comments(6)

Crete delights and entertains adults and children alike, tempting all palates whether you enjoy the excitement and exhilaration of town life and fun parks, or you thrill to being at one with nature.

When I’m on vacation I like to be by the sea, somewhere abundant in beautiful views where my spirit can be both calm and peaceful, and soar in moments of exquisite harmony.

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Paddling through the frothy surf and crystal clear water, the silky soft sand underfoot, hair fluttering wildly in a cool, gentle breeze is a heavenly gift to the senses.

Little fishes swim around legs, producing the occasional squeal of delight as one courageously taste tests a toe with inquisitive nibbles!

I don’t have any children, so I’m not in the position where I need kiddies entertainments for my own family. Consequently, I prefer a more ‘grown-up’ environment when I’m relaxing on holiday.

Forget the bedtime Horlicks… there’s no more effective lullaby than to close your eyes, and doze off to the rhythmic sound of the waves lapping the shore.

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If you share my holiday likes and dislikes, before you commit to a travel booking and part with your hard-earned cash, remember to check these factors:

• Avoid children on your vacation by checking the dates of school holidays - local to the hotel and in your own country of residence - I never book a break during school holidays.

• Enquire whether the hotel permits non-residents to use its facilities, like the pool and games equipment, because this can seriously impact on holiday enjoyment. If the pool is always filled with screaming kids splashing about, I don’t want to vacation there.

• Some patrons permit family members to use their hotel’s amenities, so try to find out whether there’s a huge family frequently hanging out with its favourite uncle!

These factors apply to a holiday in any country.

Posted in: Crete Beaches, Crete Holidays, Crete Life | Comments(0)

We have encountered more wildlife in Crete than we’d anticipated, and have managed to capture pictures of quite a variety. There are many dragonflies, and the smaller damsel fly, which play their part in the food chain by providing sustenance for the many different birds that spend the Summer in this sunny land of plenty.

This magnificent dragonfly very obligingly posed for me.

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However, one of this dragonfly’s neighbours and his girlfriend really blazed a trail when they performed their exquisite aerial mating ritual. For your delectation, here is the gravity-defying Dance of the Dragonflies!

How can I follow that? LOL!

Posted in: Crete Holidays, Crete Life, Crete Wildlife | Comments(2)