Knossos - Heraklion market
The
Palace of Knossos was the monumental symbol of Minoan civilization and
culture, due to its construction, use of luxury materials, architectural
plan, advanced building techniques and impressive size. It was built
gradually between 1700 and 1400 BC, and was discovered in 1878 by Minos
Kalokerinos and excavated by Sir Arthur Evans in 1900s.
The
intricate Palace of King Minos is the the
largest and the most spectacular of all the Minoan palatial centres. The
20,000 square meters slowly
unfold before you in a labyrinth-like pattern of 1200 rooms, at the center
of which there is an enormous courtyard. Colourful
friezes and frescoes, figures and paintings on plaster, many
of which have been restored to their former beauty, fill
the walls of the palace and exhibit life from this era, while varying
pictures from animals and people to gods and various ceremonies depict an
advanced and sophisticated society. The variety of building materials used
and the marble revetment show an advanced level of technology. This is
also demonstrated by some architectural and structural features, such as
the light-wells and the complex drainage and water-supply systems. You
will see the Corridor of the Procession, the Horns of Concecration, the
Queen’s Boudoir (complete with one of the earliest known flushing toilet
systems) and you will hear the Legend of the Minotaur and the Bull
Dancers.
Leaving
the Palace you are taken into Heraklion at the region of Pateles where you
can visit the open market known as the “gipsy market” where you can
find everything like vegetables, fruit, clothes, shoes and many more in
really cheap prices. The atmosphere feels oriental and the screams of the
vendors amuses whoever passes.
We
then proceed to the Historical center of Heraklion with the Loggia and the
Morosini fountain at the “Lions’ Square”. You have enough free time
for shopping and lunch before you are taken back to your hotels.
