Knossos in 3d

Explore the excavated palace of the mythological king Minos and other ruins in Knossos using 3D software that shows how the structures appeared thousands of years ago.

After departing from the pier, you will enjoy a brief drive inland to Knossos, once the capital of ancient Minoan Crete. The area was first inhabited in the seventh millennium B.C., and its grandeur has been slowly revealed through archaeological excavation. The palace that once stood here was known as the seat of power of the legendary King Minos, and the remains of this UNESCO World Heritage site reflect the glory of former times.

From 1900 to 1931, British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans supervised the excavation of the Palace of Knossos and the surrounding area, and you will see firsthand some of the treasures that have been uncovered. There are royal quarters, shrines, a royal villa, workshops, banquet halls and other preserved monuments from the Minoan civilization.

Portions of the ruins have been reconstructed using modern materials to show how they appeared in ancient times. For a more in-depth view of the structures, simply use the provided electronic tablet with 3D augmented-reality software. Just point the tablet’s camera at a ruin, and you will see the structure as it originally stood centuries ago.

After a thorough walking tour of Knossos, you will return to Heraklion to sightsee on your own. You might browse the boutiques or seek out highlights such as the 17th-century Morosini Fountain in Lions Square before returning to the pier.