Knossos

Knossos was the center and capital of Minoan civilization, which lay 5km south of Heraklion.

Knossos was the capital of the Minoan civilization with the palace inside it being the main point of attraction.æUntil the 5th AD, the place was inhabited continuously. The west wing was occupied byærooms for administrative and religious activities, including the Tripartite Shrine, the Sacred Repositories, and the Pillar Crypts. The Throne Room is the most amazing structure amongst them, with its lustral basin and the gypsum throneæbounded by benches. The most important areas in the south wing are the the Corridor of the Procession, South Propylon, and the South Entrance, with theæpainting of the Prince of the Lilies. From the North Entrance, a road led to the harbour of Knossos. The North Entrance is flanked by elevated stoas, the one at the west being decorated with the Bull Hunt painting. The east wing contained the residential quarters, the most important being the Hall of the Double Axes and the Queen''s Hall.