Beyond Crete's well-known beaches awaits a unique civilisation worth exploring. Located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia Minor and Africa, for the past five millennia the island has hosted Minoans, Mycenaeans, Romans, Arabs, Byzantines, Venetians and Ottoman Turks. They left an array of fascinating cultural treasures in their wake that can still be seen today. Here are ten sites that you should seek out.
1 THE PALACE OF KNOSSOS
Tales of King Minos and the Minotaur come alive at Knossos. The greatest Minoan palace, five kilometres south of Crete's capital, was destroyed around 1380 BC and never built over because it was considered cursed. It was discovered in 1878 by Cretan antiquarian Minos Kalokairinos and excavated in 1900 by British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans. With over 1,500 rooms it truly resembles the labyrinth of myth. Highlights include the royal road and 'theatre', the world's oldest throne, Europe's oldest plumbing, and reflecting 'lustral basins' that brought light into the palace's depths. Don't miss the Tripartite shrine overlooking the central court, where ceremonies and perhaps even 'bull leaping' took place. Copies of the frescoes and the mysterious 'horns of consecration' adorn the site.
2 THE CITY OF APTERA
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