Almost everyone who comes to Crete is aware of Knossos, the famous Minoan Palace which lies 5 kilometers southeast of Heraklion, the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete.
Ιn Greek mythology, the Palace of Knossos was the residence of the King Minos, the son of Zeus and Europa. King Minos constructed a labyrinth in which to keep his son, the Minotaur, a mythical creature who was half bull and half man. The labyrinth was so complicated no one could escape. Eventually, Theseus killed the Minataur but that’s another story.
The first excavation of the site was in 1878, carried out by Minos Kalokerinos of Heraklion. This was followed by the long-term excavations, 1900-1913 and 1922-1930, by the Englishman Sir Arthur Evans who uncovered virtually the entire palace.
Arthur Evan’s recreation of the palace as he thought it looked in Minoan times has more recently caused many discussions as to how accurate and useful it is. (see article). You can make your own minds up when you’re there.
Knossos is the second most visited archaeological site in Greece after The Acropolis in Athens. It gets very busy it’s best to get there very early in the morning before the coach parties arrive. Buy your tickets on-line before hand to avoid the huge queues.
Weblinks to Knossos
Iraklion / Heraklion Archaeological Museum
The museum is in the middle of the city and houses thousands of pieces unearthed at Knossos and elsewhere on Crete. It doesn’t have dedicated parking but there is parking in the Port area just a few minutes walk away. Put in ‘Parking Heraklion Port’ into your Sat Nav. You can buy joint tickets for both the museum and Knossos making it cheaper (but check that the tickets to Knossos jump the queue.)
Here are some photos of exhibits on display at the museum
Phaestus / Phestos / Festos / Faistos (or whatever you want to call it!)
Although Knossos is the most famous Minoan city actually a place called Phaestus (Phestos or Festos) is much more interesting (according to all the locals). Phaestus is famous for its Minoan palace and receives thousands of visitors every year.
The palace of Phaestus was built on a low hill in the plain of Messara with panoramic views to the surrounding area. It is the second largest palace after Knossos and occupies an area of 18 acres.
Originally built in 3000 – 2000 BC and rebuilt after an earthquake in 1700BC. It is this fact which makes it more interesting as when they rebuilt, they built directly on top.
Weblinks to Phestos
Minoan Crete (this site is very detailed and includes photos)
Visit Greece (not as much information but has a downloadable brochure with a plan of the site)
Cretan Beaches (lots of photos and a 2min video (at the bottom of the page)]
It is possible to visit Heraklion, Knossos and Phestos in one day but it would mean a very early start and I would recommend you see the palaces first then finish up in Heraklion as the museum is open until 8pm in the summer.
Heraklion is worth a visit but be prepared that it is a working city and other than the old harbour area and the area along the front it is very built up. However, if you experience it in the evening there are loads of restaurants to visit before you journey home.