tourism

Knossos Palace: 4,000-year-old heart of Minoan civilization

Wednesday, 24 June 2026/Source: Google News/1 min read

The Palace of Knossos, located just 5 kilometers south of Heraklion in northern Crete, remains one of the most significant archaeological sites in Europe. Built around 1900 BCE, it served as the political and ceremonial center of the Minoan civilization, which dominated the Aegean for over a millennium. The sprawling complex covers roughly 22,000 square meters and includes throne rooms, storage magazines, and elaborate frescoes depicting Minoan daily life. Archaeologist Arthur Evans partially reconstructed portions of the site in the early 20th century, allowing visitors to visualize its original grandeur. The site is open year-round, with summer hours typically running from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Tourists should plan at least two hours for a visit and consider hiring a licensed guide to fully appreciate the layers of history on display.

Read original article → Google News