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
Denne historien er fra December 2022 / January 2023-utgaven av Wanderlust Travel Magazine.
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Denne historien er fra December 2022 / January 2023-utgaven av Wanderlust Travel Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Vermont, USA
The Wanderlust team relocated to New England for part of this issue, as we explored a lush state filled with outdoor escapes, historic towns... and lashings of maple syrup
Unique North America
See a side to the USA and Canada beyond the big cities and discover incredible stories and special wildlife with our pick of the trips
The call of the Rockies
From historic ski lodges to rustic backcountry cabins and a mock-Scottish castle, we pick the stays in Canada's Rocky Mountains that make the most of their setting
A new dawn for the Garifuna community
When the Garifuna people settled in Belize, they had to carry their traditions and culture with them; now a new trail is inviting visitors to explore this heritage through local communities
On the edge of history
In south-west Colorado lies the largest archaeological preserve in the USA, a series of vast cliff dwellings whose residents 'vanished' overnight. But was the answer to their disappearance in plain sight?
Tigers burning bright
As India celebrates 50 years of its Project Tiger conservation scheme, we visit the reserves of Madhya Pradesh to see how its success has impacted a tiger population that once looked in danger of disappearing
SEASON'S GREETINGS
From fiery fall foliage to art fairs and harvest festivals, opens up a wealth of across the USA and Canada autumn experiences
Waking a sleeping GIANT
A slow drive along the North Wales Way, from the English border to Anglesey, reveals not only a land of incredible local food and castles, but a region that is slowly reimagining itself
The rebirth of old JEDDAH
As efforts to restore Al-Balad, Jeddah's historical district, take hold, we get an exclusive peek at how art and culture are taking centre stage
Star-studded escapes
Wilderness, history and wildlife combine at some of Britain's most iconic stargazing sites, as more and more travellers are looking to the heavens
