Knossos, Rethymno and Fortezza 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 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.

fortezza

Fortezza is one of the largest fortresses and most impressive structures dating back to the Venetian Era. Sitting majestically on the hill above the city of Rethymno, this fortress has a long history of protecting its people and has been added to over the many years since it was first constructed.

The construction of the fortress we see today began in 1573 and was completed by 1580, with a total of 107,142 Cretans involved in creating this masterpiece. The Fortezza sits on the hill of Palekastro and was built on the site of existing Castles (Castrum Rethemi and Antico Castello).

In 1646 Rethymno came under attack from the Ottoman Empire and so the entire city took refuge within the walls of the Fortezza. Due to lack of food, ammunition and disease, the city was forced to surrender 2 months later and the fortress became under the control of the Ottomans.

Inside the fort there are various buildings including a hospital; armoury; civil buildings; churches; storage rooms and buildings for the governor of the city. Over its turbulent history, the Fortezza has seen little changes expect its Catholic Church was turned into a mosque and other outbuildings were constructed within its walls.

Today the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is housed in the Ottoman ravelin that stands at the Main Gate of this impressive fort.

Rethymno

Rethymno has a long and rich history like most cities on the island of Crete. During the Venetian Period, Rethymno became the commercial station between Heraklion and Chania and so the city grew due to its wealth and trade links.

During the Venetian Era the great stone harbour was built and so too was the Fortezza that dominates the landscape of the hill above the city. Over the last 20 years Rethymno has seen many renovations and modifications which have added to its’ modern flare and feel.

Wander through its narrow streets or sit to enjoy the view of the picturesque harbour, whilst being surrounded by it’s rich cultural heritage. Rethymno is a city that is both old and new, but has been preserved to capture the individuality of its people over its many centuries. Rethymno is known to be one of the best representations of Cretan Renaissance, as most nobles during the Venetian Era were Greeks. This meant the balance of Veneto-Cretan beauty could be finely tuned and has stood the test of time.