History and teachings
Knossos is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and has been called Europe’s oldest city.

Settled as early as the Neolithic period, the name Knossos survives from ancient Greek references to the major city of Crete. The palace of Knossos eventually became the ceremonial and political centre of the Minoan civilization and culture. The palace was abandoned at some unknown time at the end of the Late Bronze Age, c. 1380–1100 BC. The reason is unknown, but one of the many disasters that befell the palace is generally put forward.

Cross-cultural dimensions
Knossos Palace is one the most significant ancient monuments of Greece. It has been called Europe’s oldest city and attracts every year thousands of european citizens and tourists. The Palace at Knossos on Crete was the center of European culture from before 2800 B.C. until after 1350 B.C. Today, the archaeological site dating back to Neolithic times 9,000 years ago, is rightfully one of the most visited cultural monuments in the world.

However, despite all the wonder, culture, myths, and magic of this legendary Minoan masterpiece, the epic palace where King Minos ruled is still not a Unesco World Heritage site.

Useful information:
recommended for all/ general/ does not require prior knowledge/ accessible/ affordable

Island of Crete, boat from Piraeus port, Municipality of Heraklion, buses 02, 03, 21