Archaeological sights in Knossos
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theatral area
An alternative way to enter is to have a look at the Corridor of the Procession Fresco, then walk straight ahead to enter the site from the northern end. If you do this you will come to the theatral area, a series of steps whose function remains unknown. It could have been a theatre where spectators watched acrobatic and dance performances, or the place where people gathered to welcome important visitors arriving by the Royal Road.
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queen's megaron
A passage leads from the Hall of the Double Axes to the queen's megaron. Above the door is a copy of the Dolphin Fresco, one of the most exquisite Minoan artworks. A blue floral design decorates the portal. Next to this room is the queen's bathroom, complete with terracotta bathtub and a water closet, touted as the first ever to work on the flush principle; water was poured down by hand.
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Piano Nobile
On the 1st floor of the west side of the palace is the section Evans called the Piano Nobile, for he believed the reception and staterooms were here. A room at the northern end of this floor displays copies of some of the frescoes found at Knossos.
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giant pithoi
Worth seeking out in the northern section of the palace are the giant pithoi, ceramic jars used for storing olive oil, wine and grain. Evans found over 100 of them at Knossos (some were 2m high).
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Royal Road
The Royal Road leads off to the west of the theatral area. The road, Europe's first (Knossos has lots of firsts), was flanked by workshops and the houses of ordinary people.
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Lustral Basin
The Lustral Basin is in the area of the Royal Road. Evans speculated that this was where the Minoans performed a ritual cleansing with water before religious ceremonies.
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