Introducing Knossos
Knossos (k-nos-os), 5km from Iraklio, was the capital of Minoan Crete and the Palace of Knossos (28102 31940; admission €6; 8am-7pm Jun-Oct, 8am-3pm Nov-May) is the island’s major tourist attraction.
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The ruins of Knossos, home of the mythical Minotaur kept by King Minos, were uncovered in the early 1900s by the British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans. Heinrich Schliemann, who had uncovered the ancient cities of Troy and Mycenae, had had his eye on the spot but was unable to strike a deal with the landowner.
Evans spent 35 years and £250, 000 of his own money excavating and reconstructing parts of the palace. Some archaeologists have disparaged Evans’ controversial reconstruction, believing he sacrificed accuracy to his overly vivid imagination. However, most nonexperts agree that Sir Arthur did a good job and the reconstructions allow you to visualise what a Minoan palace looked like.
You will need to spend some time at Knossos to explore it thoroughly.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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Re: One week in Crete end September
by flashnomad 11 September 2011
I posted the same question 6 months ago. We ended up staying for the entire week at a wonderful inn run by ex-pats called Terramara in…
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RE: One week in Crete end September
by akana 01 September 2011
I think Heraklion is not a good base to explore Crete. Only Knossos palace is there near as far as I know (not so interested in archeology!)…
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RE: Greece: Questions about ferries and itineraries
by mariha2912 21 August 2011
I hope you realise that 2 nights on an island, comes down to one full day plus a few hours. I think your itenerary is far too rushed.…
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