Minoan Palace of Knossos
Most important of Crete's archeological sites
Some 5km from Heraklion lies the archeological site of the Minoan Palace of Knossos.
History
The Minoan civilisation is reputed to be one of the earliest in Europe, reigning from the middle of the Bronze Age–from 3650 to 1400 B.C., even before Ancient Greece.
The Minoan Palace of Knossos was discovered at the beginning of the 20th century by British archaeologist Arthur Evans.
Mythology
It’s reputed to be where the first King of Crete–King Minos–lived and built a labyrinth to keep away the Minotaur–the half bull half man creature.
The Palace has beautiful countryside surroundings and you’ll see the various frescoes uncovered during excavation, or reproductions depicting dolphins, other sea life and flowers.