The Knossos palace and the Minoans - Crete

The Knossos palace and the Minoans - Crete

Crete, Greece

The Palace of Knossos is one of the most important archaeological sites of the Minoan civilization, considered one of the earliest civilizations in the world. It was built around 1900 B.C., and almost nothing remains in its original state. Several areas are closed to the public, and those still standing are not the original ones. Most of the structures have been renovated by a British archaeologist named Evans (in fact, even the colors are not original). Furthermore, the exact purpose of each space remains uncertain; all interpretations are based on Evans' or the guides' speculations.

It’s located in the northern part of Crete, about a 15-minute drive from Heraklion. The roads are goodso you can make it even with a Fiat Punto. Once you arrive at the palace's location, you will find several parking areas (here). Another option is to take a bus from the central bus station, departing approximately every 20 minutes.

The entrance fee during the high season is 15€ (free if you are under 25). They also offer combos with the Heraklion Archaeological Museum for €20. In the low season, it is slightly cheaper. You can make a reservation online through their website (avoiding queues) or purchase it directly on-site. At the entrance, you'll see people offering guided tours in groups. Don't be deceived by the price; they usually charge €25 per person in a group of 4-5 people (in addition to the entrance fee).

The architecture of the palace is impressive and complex, featuring interconnected rooms, corridors, and staircases. Throughout the archaeological site, you will find some explanations about the structures and the Minoan civilization; however, it is important to emphasize once again that most of these are speculative interpretations.

It is a quite crowded site during peak hours, especially on weekends. From 10:00 onwards, it starts to fill up with buses from organized trips, so we recommend going early in the morning or right before the closing time.

If you visit in the summer, don't forget a hat and sunscreen. There is barely shade and it can get very hot in summer. At the entrance, there is a bar where you can enjoy natural fruit juices. There is also an archaeological site shop in case you want to purchase a souvenir. Nearby, you'll find toilets that require a fee of €0.5 if you need to use them.

Knossos has a remarkable historical significance; however, the visit itself may not be considered particularly special. In fact, if you are a history and archaeology enthusiast with a genuine interest in ancient civilizations, we strongly recommend visiting the Heraklion Archaeological Museum over Knossos.

What you can see there is striking, but in the end, it remains the interpretation and reconstruction of a British archaeologist.