Knossos Palace, Heraklion (must see)

Knossos Palace, located about 20 minutes south of Heraklion, stands as a symbol of the Minoan Civilization, Europe's oldest city-state. The palace served as both the ceremonial and political hub during the Bronze Age, representing the largest, most complex, and elaborate Minoan palace in Greece. Its historical significance lies not only in its architectural grandeur but also in its role as the focal point of Minoan culture, boasting a rich history that dates back to the Neolithic settlement around 7000 BC.

Over several millennia, Knossos Palace witnessed the ebb and flow of Minoan civilization, reaching its zenith around 1500 BC when the surrounding city had a population of 100,000. The palace, inhabited for thousands of years, faced destruction around 1375 BC due to an earthquake. Subsequently, it underwent reconstruction and continued to be a vital center until its eventual abandonment around 1380 to 1100 BC, marking the end of the Minoan civilization.

Excavations at Knossos Palace have unraveled layers of history, offering valuable insights into Minoan life. Artifacts like clay and stone incised spools and whorls hint at a thriving cloth-making industry, while figurines of curvaceous females suggest the worship of mother goddesses. The palace complex, though reconstructed over the years, is believed to have served not only as a royal residence but also as the civic, religious, and economic heart of Knossos, emphasizing its multifaceted significance in the Minoan world.