Before the Roman Era, Knossos was the most significant city on Crete and the hub of the first remarkable European civilization, the Minoan. The city’s palace is the most frequented archaeological site in Crete, attracting over 1,000,000 visitors annually. Situated just 5km south of Heraklion on hill Kefala near the banks of Knosano Gorge, it can be reached via Knossos Avenue, which connects Heraklion with Skalani village. Besides the palace itself, the area is filled with numerous other archaeological discoveries, which is understandable given that Knossos was a town with a population exceeding 100,000 people.
The palace served as the residence of the legendary King Minos and is linked with famous Greek myths such as Daedalus and Icarus, the Labyrinth, and the Minotaur. Minos was not an individual but a succession of kings with the same name (similar to how we refer to Pharaoh in Egypt). He was deified and believed to be the offspring of Europa and Zeus, as recounted in the story of the Rape of Europe.
From the Neolithic era to the early Byzantine era, the palace of Minos was at the heart of Knossos, consistently involved in Crete’s historical events. Cretan archaeologist Minos Kalokerinos conducted the first excavations at Knossos in 1878, and uncovered numerous ancient storage pots and other artefacts.
However, his work was halted due to the Cretan-Turkish wars and later resumed by Englishman Arthur Evans. Evans’ work began in 1900 and concluded in 1930 with the completion of his restorations. Evans has faced harsh criticism for his extensive restoration work on the palace using cement. Nonetheless, it can be argued that the palace’s appearance today would not be as impressive if all the buildings had been left in ruins, as discovered by Evans.
The earliest signs of habitation date back to the Neolithic period (7th-4th millennium BC). The site was occupied until 1900 BC when the old structures were demolished to make way for a larger palace. This new palace covered an area of 22 acres and was seemingly destroyed by an earthquake in 1700 BC. The most magnificent Minoan palace ever was built on the site of the old palace. In 1600 BC, an earthquake caused significant damage, which was quickly repaired with the addition of several new buildings. This specific palace version is the main one we see today at the archaeological site of Knossos. In 1450 BC, the palace suffered catastrophic damage caused by either an earthquake or a tsunami resulting from the eruption of the Santorini volcano. When the Achaeans arrived in Crete (1350 BC), the palace was destroyed forever. However, the city of Knossos continued its history until 500 BC.
For several centuries after the destruction of Minos Palace, Knossos remained the most powerful city on Crete. It competed with other Cretan cities, such as Gortys (the next capital of Crete during Roman times) and Lyttos. In 221-219AD, Knossos waged war against Lyttos and destroyed it while its men were away on another campaign. Gradually, Gortys increased its power and became the new capital of Crete.
The coins of Knossos, which can be viewed in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, depict the Minotaur, the Labyrinth, ancient gods, and more. The symbol of Knossos was the labrys (double ax), while the double bull horns represented the Minoan religion.
Get directions to The Knossos Palace
Find below the list of hotels near The Knossos Palace:
Boasting garden views, Heraklion-Knossos Luxury Home offers accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 5.6 km from Venetian Walls. The air-conditioned accommodation is 600 metres from The Palace of Knossos, and guests benefit from complimentary WiFi and private parking available on site.
The villa has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
Guests at the villa can enjoy cycling and hiking nearby, or make the most of the garden.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 6 km from Heraklion-Knossos Luxury Home, while Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 19 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 7 km from the accommodation.
from
€171
/night
Featuring garden views, Olive Grove Cottage Skalani provides accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 8 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum. The air-conditioned accommodation is 5.3 km from The Palace of Knossos, and guests benefit from complimentary WiFi and private parking available on site.
The holiday home with a terrace and mountain views features 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are featured in the holiday home.
The holiday home offers a picnic area. Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
Venetian Walls is 8.6 km from Olive Grove Cottage Skalani, while Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 16 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 4 km from the accommodation.
from
€98
/night
Situated in Áno Fortétsa, 2 km from The Palace of Knossos and 4.2 km from Venetian Walls, Melina Knossos Iraklio Crete features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. It is located 4.7 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum and provides a lift.
The apartment features 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 17 km from the apartment, while Cultural Conference Centre of Heraklion is 4.2 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 5 km from Melina Knossos Iraklio Crete.
from
€45
/night
Situated near Knosós, this air-conditioned apartment features a patio and offers free WiFi access. The unit is 3.4 km from Heraklio Town.
The kitchen features a dishwasher, an oven and a microwave, as well as a coffee machine. A flat-screen TV is featured.
A bus stop offering access to Heraklio City is within walking distance. Hersonissos is 22 km from Giorgos Large Size Apartments -Family Friendly with Free Parking and Yard Views, while Bali is 35 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 4 km from Giorgos Large Size Apartments -Family Friendly with Free Parking and Yard Views.
from
€69
/night
Located in Heraklio Town, 2.4 km from The Palace of Knossos, EZITH LUXURY APARTMENTS offers accommodation with free WiFi, a terrace or a balcony and access to a garden and a seasonal outdoor pool.
The apartment provides guests with a patio, garden views, a seating area, satellite flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a microwave, and a private bathroom with walk-in shower and bathrobes. A toaster, a fridge and stovetop are also provided, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
EZITH LUXURY APARTMENTS offers a picnic area.
A car rental service is available at the accommodation.
Venetian Walls is 4 km from EZITH LUXURY APARTMENTS, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 4.5 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 5 km from the apartment, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Olea Luxury Suites Heraklion features pool views, free WiFi and free private parking, set in Áno Fortétsa, 3.9 km from The Palace of Knossos.
The apartment provides guests with a patio, sea views, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and a private bathroom with walk-in shower and a hair dryer. A microwave, a fridge and stovetop are also featured, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Guests can also relax in the garden, beside the pool with a view, or on the sun terrace.
Venetian Walls is 5.2 km from Olea Luxury Suites Heraklion, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 6.1 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 7 km from the accommodation.
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