Knossos and Heraklion City Tour

KNOSSOS PALACE

Knossos is thought to be one of the oldest centres of civilisation in Europe and was once home to the most powerful ruler of the Minoan Civilisation, King Minos. It is believed that this city dates back to as early as the Neolithic Period (7^th-4^th Millennium BC) and it is believed that the palace of Knossos has played a major role in the changing leadership through-out time including the Mycenaeans and the Roman era.

The palace of Knossos is believed to have been built, destroyed and rebuilt at least twice within its lifetime. The first palace is estimated to have been built between the 19^th-17^th Century BC. The second version of the palace (16^th-14^th Century BC) is believed to have been constructed in much the same way as the first, with the addition of labyrinth style corridors and storage rooms. This is where the Legend of the Minotaur comes from surrounding Knossos Palace. Around the 17^th Century BC it is believed that the entire city of Knossos was extensively developed and it has been estimated that the population was around 80,000 inhabitants.

In 1450BC, after the partial destruction of Knossos, the Mycenaeans settled within the city but did not rebuild the palace. In 67 BC the city of Knossos was conquered by the Romans and Knossos Palace was named the “Mansion of Dionysus”. The magnificent mosaics you see today, belong to this period.

Shortly after the Byzantine times, the port of Heraklion gained more importance for shipping and trade while the palace and the city of Knossos was slowly forgotten and was re-discovered in 1900 by a British Scholar, Arthur Evans. Since the 1900s much of the site of Knossos has been excavated and its this that can be seen today.

Discover this incredible site by exploring it for yourself or choose to walk around with a tour guide, many of which are available for a fee at the main gate. Should you choose to have a tour guide as you walk this incredible site, it is sure to enhance your knowledge and understanding of this magnificent city. To walk all of the wonders of this site, it will take you around 2 hours and is sure to submerge you within the abundant history of this undeniable UNESCO World Heritage Site.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is one of the oldest and considered to be one of most important museums in Greece. It is also considered to be one of the most famous museums in all of Europe. It houses many precious artefacts from all periods of Cretan history and prehistory, covering over 5,500 years starting from the Neolithic period to Roman times.

This multi-storey building is known to house the most notable and complete collection of artefacts of the Minoan civilisation in Crete. In 1883, the first archaeological collection of the city was established with a small collection and was backed by private donations. After the excavations from Arthur Evans began in 1900, the artefacts from Knossos and the surrounding area were entrusted to the First Keepers of Antiquities and thus enriched the collection the museum has today.

The museum prides itself on its vast collection of Minoan art but also in telling the story of the Minoan civilisation here in Crete. It houses artefacts from many sites across Crete including; Knossos; Phaestos; Zakros; and Malia. Within the museum today there are many artefacts which tell the story of this once great civilisation. Jewellery, Statues, pottery and everyday items can be found in every part of this museum, bringing to life this long forgotten way of life.

The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is most famous for its impressive collection of Minoan artefacts. The Snake-Goddess; The Prince of Lilies and Bull-Leaping Frescos; The Gold Bee Pendant; The Agia Triada Sarcophagus; Phaistos Discs; and Linear B (ancient Cretan language) tablets. All of these impressive artefacts can be seen within the Museum of Heraklion among many other private collections.

HERAKLION CITY TOUR

Heraklion is a city that is rich and alive with its cultural heritage. It is the capital city of Crete and is also considered to be the commercial centre of the island. This vibrant city has unique architecture from both the Venetian and the Ottoman eras but it also combines its ancient history with a very modern and essential commercial centre.

If it’s the city’s history you’re interested in then take a walk through the Old Venetian Harbour and the 25^th August Street, known for its beautiful architecture but also for its links as a promenade to the centre of the city. The Koules Venetian Fortress in the harbour and the city walls are monuments not the be missed. Lion Square houses a great Venetian fountain dating back to 1628 and is popular among those who visit the city.

Heraklion is thought to have been the birthplace of the once great Minoan civilisation and it is here that the city and palace of Knossos can be seen. Heraklion is also famous for its multitude of museums including its Archaeological Museum; Byzantine collection of St Catherine; St Marks Basilica; (and) the Natural History Museum of Crete.