Knossos
Crete
The Minoan palace is the main site of interest at Knossos, an important city in antiquity, which was inhabited continuously from the Neolithic period until the 5th c. AD. The palace was built on the Kephala hill and had easy access to the sea and the Cretan interior. According to tradition, it was the seat of the wise king Minos. The Palace of Knossos is connected with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth with the Minotaur, and the story of Daidalos and Ikaros.
From 1st of April until 31 of August 08:00 - 20:00
Last entrance to the Site at 19:30
On the 1st of September the opening hours apply, due to a gradual reduction in the length of the day, as follows:
1st to 15th September 08:00 - 19:30
Last entrance to the Site at 19:00
16th to 30th September 08:00 - 19:00
Last entrance to the Site at 18:30
1st to 15th October 08:00 - 18:30
Last entrance to the Site at 18:00 and
16th to 31st October 08:00 - 18:00
Last entrance to the Site at 17:30
Last entrance to the Site at 19:30
On the 1st of September the opening hours apply, due to a gradual reduction in the length of the day, as follows:
1st to 15th September 08:00 - 19:30
Last entrance to the Site at 19:00
16th to 30th September 08:00 - 19:00
Last entrance to the Site at 18:30
1st to 15th October 08:00 - 18:30
Last entrance to the Site at 18:00 and
16th to 31st October 08:00 - 18:00
Last entrance to the Site at 17:30
The Palace of Knossos, the largest and longest-lived Minoan palace of Crete and the city that arose around it are built on the top and slopes of the low hill of Kefala, where the River Kairatos meets the small Vlychia stream. Security, fertile land, water and proximity to the sea were the main reasons not only for the choice of the site as a place of habitation from earliest prehistoric times, but also for its subsequent prosperity and growth. It is located at a distance of 5 kilometers S. of the city of Heraklion, in the wider archaeological site of Knossos, which includes the Palace and the surrounding monuments [“Little Palace”, “Caravanserai”, “Royal Villa”, “Temple Tomb”].
There is access for people with disabilities from the entrance of the Palace up to the Central Court.
At the "HELLENIC HERITAGE" Museum Shop you will find a variety of publications related to the place you visited, faithful copies of exhibits from the museums of Greece, a range of souvenirs such as fridge magnets, mirrors, notepads, etc., as well as items for the home, gifts, jewelry, scarfs, toys, etc. inspired by the Greek cultural heritage.
A visit to our Museum Shop completes your experience as a visitor, while the proceeds from the sales support the work of the archaeological service.
A visit to our Museum Shop completes your experience as a visitor, while the proceeds from the sales support the work of the archaeological service.