The Minoan palace of Knossos is one of the most fascinating and awe inspiring archeological sites anywhere and one of the finest examples of ancient Greece. It’s a must see attraction on any Crete villa holiday.
It is perhaps the sheer beauty of the palace which is most surprising when you consider the age of the Minoan civilization (19 century BC) which built it. The archeologists, particularly Sir Arthur Evans, did a fabulous job in restoring the palace which allows you to appreciate just how sophisticated these people were.
The Minoan story is a tragic one. Once masters of their environment, capable of technological achievements such as flushing toilets, one day they were wiped out and whilst there are many viable theories no one really knows how or why.
Along with the magnificence of the palace which enjoys a stunning hilltop location comes the mystery and legend of the Minotaur, half man half bull, which was said to have inhabited the Labyrinth Minoan palace of Knossos and was eventually killed by Daedalus.
Bulls played a prominent part in the Minoan culture where young men used to summersault head over heals using the bulls horns as leverage. Images of these death defying acrobatics are depicted in the Minoan art displayed as frescos on the palace walls.
Minoan art is perhaps the ultimate representation of Minoan culture, its sophistication and appreciation of beauty and colour showing these people to be highly sophisticated.
A visit to the palace of Knossos is an enjoyable experience for adults and children alike, one which you will remember. The palace is around five kilometers from Heraklion (Iraklion). For further information look up heraklion-crete.org/knossos.html
You can visit the palace of Knossos whilst enjoying the comfort of one of our Crete villas.
To book your villa in Crete view the Villas du Monde - Villas Worldwide Crete holiday villas with pools selection near Heraklion which are nearest to the Knossos palace. Why not try the mainland sites later, you could stay in one of our reasonably priced holiday villas in Peloponnese from where you can access places like Olympia and Athens. Do let us help you, please call (freephone service) or email our experienced experts and they will guide you and supply any missing information you need to make the right decisions for your Greek holiday.