Knossos

The most important centre of the Minoan civilisation and capital of Minoan Crete is located 5 km south of Heraklion.

Knossos was discovered in 1878 by the merchant Minos Kalokairinos. A. Evans began systematic excavations in 1900, which continued until 1931 with the discovery of the palace which formed a large part of the Minoan city and the cemeteries. Since then, excavations in the wider area of Knossos have been continued by the English School of Archaeology and the KC Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities. Apart from the Minoan palace complex, visitors can today see private houses with richly decorated interiors, some public buildings and some religious centres.