Private Knossos and Heraklion History and Culture City Tour

Knossos archaeological site represents the center of the Minoan civilization and the capital of Minoan Crete. The main site of interest is the Palace of Knossos, where you can see:
-the Great Palace; it is the largest of the preserved Minoan palatial centers and contains the royal quarters, workshops, shrines, storerooms, repositories, the throne room, and banquet halls.
- the Little Palace, where it was found the famous Bull's Head made of steatite. It is exhibited in the museum of Knossos.
- the Royal Villa.
-the House of the High Priest.
-the Caravan Serai, where it was the entrance to the palace. It served as the public baths.
- and the Royal Temple Tomb-Sanctuary, which it is considered to have belonged to one of the Last Minoan Kings.

The Venetian Walls were part of the fortress of the city. The city was called Candia by the Venetians. Two of the city gates have survived among the centuries, Chania and Kainouria. Take time to walk outside and around the walls. At the southwestern corner of the City Walls, you will find the Tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis (1883-1947), the local author of "Zorba the Greek" and "The Last Temptation of Christ". One of the most important Greek authors through time. Take your time and enjoy the panoramic view of the city center and the beautiful sea.

The Cathedral of St. Minas, is dedicated to the Patron Saint of Heraklion. It suffered from the battles of the past great damage and it took 30 years to be rebuilt. Right next to the imposing Cathedral it is a smaller and older St. Minas church and on the nearby square you can visit the former church of St. Ekaterini, where nowadays byzantine ecclesiastic treasures and icons are exhibited.

Morozini’s fountain or Four Lion Square was constructed during the Venetian Era to cover the needs of Candia, the capital city of the island. Today it is the meeting point for the locals surrounded by various shops ready to serve coffees, ice-creams and other delicacies. Opposite the Fountain, you can see the Basilica of St. Mark, one of the most important buildings from the Venetian times which now hosts the Municipal Art Gallery and is open to the public almost all day, every day.

The Venetian Loggia is in the center of Heraklion city. It was constructed by Francesco Morosini during the Venetian rule. It is an impressive building of the Venetian times that has survived through time and today hosts the Town Hall of Heraklion.

The Venetian Fortress Koules, also known as Castello a Mare or Rocca a Mare by the Venetians, stands proudly at the entrance of the Venetian Harbor. Its primary purpose was to protect the city. Enjoy a photo stop to capture its impressive architecture and scenic views.