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Knossos

Attraction·HeraklionRecommended by 2 publications
Knossos
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
“Knossos is an archaeological site and ancient urban centre in Crete, Greece. It is located within the southern periphery of Heraklion, about 5 km (3.1 mi) south of the city's historic centre. The site was occupied from the Neolithic period into the first millennium AD and became the largest and…”
— Wikipedia
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In the coverage2 stories

Atlas ObscuraSep 3

The Prince of the Lilies Fresco in Heraklion, Greece

The Prince of the Lilies is one of the signature images of Minoan Crete, reproduced on postcards, book covers, and museum posters worldwide: a slender, muscular figure wearing a crown of lilies and peacock feathers, striding forward through a garden, one hand on his chest. It's usually presented as a king, sometimes a priest-king, ruling from Knossos around 1500 BCE. The problem is that almost…

Palace site where the fresco was excavated.

4 things in this story
  • KnossosAttractionPalace site where the fresco was excavated.
  • Prince of the LiliesPublic artworkFresco reconstructed from fragments, possibly not a single figure.
  • Arthur EvansPlaceExcavated fresco fragments in the early 1900s.
  • Émile GilliéronPlaceRestorer who controversially reconstructed the fresco.
Read the full piece at Atlas Obscura →

Lonely PlanetAug 15

15 of the best things to do in Crete

Experience the best of Crete with this guide to the island’s top beaches, historic sites, hikes and more.

Visit for Minoan frescoes, see dolphins frolicking.

15 things in this story
  • KnossosAttractionVisit for Minoan frescoes, see dolphins frolicking.
  • Elsewhere
  • Lerapetra MuseumMuseumIerapetra, GreeceSee the striking statue of the goddess Persephone.
  • Samaria GorgeTrailAgia Roumeli, GreeceHike 18km through sheer rock faces, spot rare goats.
  • Falasarna BeachSightKissamos, GreeceCatch the sunset at this west-facing beach.
  • Spinalonga IslandSightElounda, GreeceDay trip to see former quarantine facilities and fort.
  • Archaeological Museum in IerapetraMuseumIerapetra, GreeceSee the impressive statue of the goddess Persephone.
  • Koutsounari BeachSightIerapetra, GreeceEnjoy a swim in its warm waters.
  • Mosque of Kioutsouk HasanSightHania, GreeceDominates the Venetian harbor.
  • Lasithi PlateauSightAgios Nikolaos, GreeceTour by bicycle among windmills and orchards.
  • FortezzaAttractionRethymno, GreeceVast fortress built in the 16th century to protect the port.
  • KouremenosSightPalekastro, GreeceThrill-seekers flock here for windsurfing.
  • PalekstroSightPalekastro, GreeceWander through evocative ruined houses and roads.
  • Zakros GorgeTrailAno Zakros, GreeceMeandering green river, towering rock walls, Minoan burial sites.
  • Kato Zakros beachSightKato Zakros, GreeceEnd point of Zakros Gorge, has small tavernas.
  • Koraï QuarterNeighborhoodIraklio, GreeceFind the best of the action in nightlife.
Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →
More sights in HeraklionCrete×2Prince of the LiliesKnossos Palace
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