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.

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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 |