Visiting Knossos Palace in Crete: Everything You Need To Know!

If you’re planning a trip to Crete, a visit to Knossos Palace should be on your essentials list! Here’s why…

I’ve meandered around my fair share of archaeological sites, from the sprawling, UNESCO-listed ruins in Paphos to the Roman columns of Volubilis in Morocco. Some are certainly more impressive than others, and I found Knossos to be one of the most immersive historical sites I’ve encountered.

However, not everything you’ll see here is original. In fact, most of the site has been restored since its initial discovery and excavation by businessman and amateur archaeologist Minos Kalokairinos in the late 1870s.

The Palace of Knossos also has links to some of Greek mythology’s most thrilling legends, including the Labyrinth, Minotaur, and the story of Daedalus and Icarus.

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A Brief History of Knossos

The history of Knossos dates back to circa 7000BC, which makes it the oldest known settlement in Crete. What was originally a hamlet of 25-50 dwellers in huts became a village of 200-600 by the Early Neolithic period (6000-5000BC). More substantial homes came with expansion between 5000–4000 BC, and by 3000 BC, the population had grown dramatically.

After the early Cretan palaces at Knossos and other sites were destroyed by an earthquake around 1700 BC, the Minoans began rebuilding on a grand scale. Of all the Cretan palaces (including Malia, Phaestros and Zakro), Knossos was the largest, covering three acres of land.

Despite surviving when other palaces fell in 1450 BC, Knossos was finally destroyed in 1350 BC when it caught fire, collapsing the upper stories. It’s not known whether this was intentional, or due to an earthquake. The wider town of Knossos continued to be occupied, but the palace itself was never rebuilt.

Excavation and Reconstruction of Knossos Palace

In the late 1870s, Cretan merchant Minos Kalokairinos discovered the site of Knossos. As an amateur archaeologist, he led the initial excavation of the West Wing in late 1878. His dig was stopped by the Ottoman authorities, but news of his discovery piqued the interest of the archaeological community.

Between 1900-1913 and 1922-1930, British archaeologist Arthur Evans and his excavation team undertook extensive excavation and reconstruction work. In a controversial move, he reconstructed elements of the palace based on research and his interpretation on how the palace would have looked. Artworks based on fragments found were recreated by artists, and imprints of wooden columns were replaced using concrete. This use of modern materials and Evans’ interpretation remain contested – however, it can be argued that this work brings the ancient palace to life for visitors.

Knossos in Greek Mythology

In Greek mythology, King Minos was a legendary ruler of Crete, and according to legend, he resided at Knossos Palace. Named as the son of Greek god Zeus and a mortal woman, he sought revenge on Athens when his son, Androgeos, was killed.

He made a deal that every nine years, seven boys and seven girls were sent to face the Minotaur, a mythical beast that lived in the Labyrinth, a maze underneath his palace. In the well-known Greek tale, a young hero named Theseus killed the minotaur.

Another well-known tale featuring King Minos is that of Daedalus and Icarus. After angering the king, Daedalus and his son Icarus were imprisoned in a tower. To escape, Daedalus constructed wings from wood, wax and feathers, which they used to fly out of the tower and over the sea. However, Icarus became too confident and flew too close to the sun. The heat melted his wings, and he fell to his death.

Knossos Highlights

Knossos is a vast site worth taking your time exploring. When you enter, there’s a QR code to scan which gives you a guide to the site – these are some of the highlights you’ll see when visiting Knossos Palace!

South Propylaeum

Built from limestone bricks and wooden beams, the South Propylaeum is a typical example of building methods of the time.

West Magazines

22 rooms were linked together by a narrow corridor, used for storage. Large jars known as ‘pithoi’ held olive oil, wine and other agricultural products.

Central Court

An expansive courtyard at the heart of the palace, providing a focal point for activity and entrances to the surrounding rooms.

Throne Room

In the Palace’s West Wing, a room was uncovered with a stone throne against one wall, and the remains of colourful Minoan fresco walls.

Hall of the Double Axes & Queen’s Megaron

Believed by Evans to be the private residence of the King and Queen, these royal living quarters showcase intricate frescoes.

Summary: Is Knossos worth visiting?

Absolutely – it’s one of Crete’s most popular attractions for good reason. Although Evans’ reconstructions are debated by some historians, it’s a fascinating insight into how ancient architecture could have looked. It’s one of the more immersive archaeological sites I’ve visited, and the signage around the site makes a visit to Knossos Palace informative and engaging.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

If you’re interested in viewing original artefacts found during the Knossos excavations, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum has a vast collection of recovered items, including frescoes, pottery, and figurines.

Visiting Knossos Palace: FAQ

How do I get to Knossos Palace?

Knossos is 15 minutes drive from the centre of Heraklion. You can also catch the 02/03 bus Heraklion Central Bus Station, which takes 20 minutes to get to the site.

Alternatively, you could choose to take a tour of Knossos Palace:

From Rethymno: Knossos Palace and Heraklion City Day Trip
From Chania: Knossos Palace and Heraklion Full-Day Tour
From Agios Nikolaos/Malia: Knossos Palace and Heraklion Guided Tour

Where can I park?

There’s plenty of parking available, although the car parks can get busy at peak times. Some of the car parks nearby may charge a fee – for the official, free parking, head into where the coach parking is. We found a spot at the far end of the car park, which is then a very short walk to the main entrance.

What are the opening times?

Knossos Palace opens from 8am-8pm daily during the summer months (last entry 7:30pm). In winter, it’s open 8am-6pm (last entry 5:30pm)

How much does entry to Knossos Palace cost?

Entry is €18pp. Book in advance to skip the queue.

General tips for visiting Knossos Palace

• Start early – there’s lots to get through & the site can get crowded during the day
• Wear comfortable footwear – the site is vast & often uneven
• Make sure you pack sunscreen and a hat, as there’s limited shade from the Cretan sun
• Stay hydrated – bring a bottle of water (there are kiosks/shops near the entrance if you forget)
• A small group guided tour is a great way to learn more about the site & history from a local expert…
• …or if you prefer a self-guided visit, you can either pick up a guidebook in the gift shop, or scan the QR code on the wooden pillars as you enter for a free guide.

Looking for more Crete day trips? Check out how to spend a day in Rethymno.