KNOSSOS HERAKLION CRETE GREECE 4K ΚΝΩΣΟΣ ΗΡΑΚΛΕΙΟ ΚΡΗΤΗ

The palace traces its origins back to the Neolithic era, with its most notable development phase occurring during the Minoan period. As the cornerstone of the Minoan civilisation, Knossos Palace held significant importance and was highly esteemed.

Present day visitors can meander through the captivating remnants of this ancient palace, gaining insights into its intriguing history and the role it played.
The Enthralling Ruins of Knossos Palace

The sprawling ruins of Knossos Palace are captivating, offering history aficionados a wealth of insights. Its remarkably preserved state provides an enchanting window into the everyday life of the Minoans. Besides being an architectural marvel, Knossos also housed the mythical Minotaur, according to legend, lending it an aura of enchantment.

It was considered a mystical location by King Minos, who purportedly kept the Minotaur within a labyrinth here.

Furthermore, Knossos holds the distinction of being the birthplace of Linear A writing, an ancient form of script, which, fascinatingly, remains partially undeciphered. Those with a passion for ancient cultures and histories will find Knossos Palace an irresistible destination.
Knossos: More Than Just a Palace

Knossos Palace stands out in historical records not merely as a royal residence but as a vibrant epicentre for administration, trade, and culture. Its numerous in-house workshops were bustling hubs where craftsmen fashioned goods destined for trade across the Mediterranean. Adding to its significance, it served as a critical port city, owing to its strategic coastal location. This amalgamation of economic, political, and cultural functions renders Knossos one of Europe’s most essential archaeological sites.
A Journey to Minoan Period

The epoch known as the Minoan period draws its moniker from the mythical King Minos, whose rule over Crete is part of ancient lore. This era is frequently regarded as Crete’s golden age, with the construction of Knossos Palace being one of its most notable achievements.

This grand palace was not just a vast residential complex but also functioned as the central government hub. It is widely believed that a volcanic eruption in 1450 BC led to the palace’s destruction. However, much of its remarkable art and architecture survived the ravages of time and can be experienced by present-day visitors.

H Κνωσός είναι μια από τις σημαντικότερες αρχαιολογικές θέσεις παγκόσμιας εμβέλειας και ο δεύτερος σε επισκεψιμότητα χώρος στην Ελλάδα. Βρίσκεται στη λοφώδη μεσόγεια χώρα στα νότια της πόλης του Ηρακλείου, στην κοιλάδα του Καίρατου ποταμού και του παραποτάμου του Θέρρωνα. Ο Καίρατος πηγάζει από τις Αρχάνες και εκβάλλει στον Πόρο, ανατολικά του Ηρακλείου, το επίνειο της μινωικής Κνωσού. Στα ανατολικά υψώνεται ο λόφος του Αϊ-Λιά, στα βόρεια οι χαμηλοί λόφοι Τζαφέρ Παπούρα και Κεφάλα, στα νότια οι λόφοι των Πάνω και Κάτω Γυψάδων, στα δυτικά η Ακρόπολη (ή Μοναστηριακό Κεφάλι) και περίπου στη νότια περιοχή της κοιλάδας ο λόφος «Κεφάλα του Τσελεβή», όπου θεμελιώθηκε το μινωικό ανάκτορο. Η Κνωσός κατοικείται συνεχόμενα από την 7η χιλιετία π.Χ. έως τις μέρες μας. Η ανασκαφή της θέσης έχει άρρηκτα συνδεθεί με τη Βρετανική Σχολή Αθηνών που δραστηριοποιείται στην περιοχή από το 1900 με σκοπό την έρευνα, τη μελέτη και την προβολή, στο ακαδημαϊκό και το ευρύ κοινό, της ιστορίας του μακραίωνου αυτού κέντρου.