The Labyrinth of the Minotaur is an amazing and mysterious place on the island of Crete. Historical data and myths contradict each other, which arouses even more interest among tourists and researchers.
The Labyrinth of the Minotaur is called the Palace of Knossos in Crete. It is really unusually mysterious, its rooms and passages form a complex structure in which it is easy to get lost. And even many centuries later, when some of its rooms have already turned into ruins, it seems that the Minotaur monster is hiding here, devouring the most beautiful girls in Greece.
History of the Labyrinth of the Minotaur
The word “labyrinth” itself, translated from Greek, sounds like “a large stone house”. It was this sense that was laid in the design of the building. It was erected for the Minotaur monster, at least that's what the myth says about him. Such significant names in the history of Ancient Greece are associated with the Labyrinth of the Minotaur, such as
- King Minos - during his reign the Labyrinth was built,
- architect Daedalus - the creator of the project and the head of construction work,
- Greek hero Theseus, who defeated the Minotaur.
According to legend, the Minotaur was born from the sinful relationship of Minos's wife and the divine bull, for which he was imprisoned in a labyrinth. In order for the monster not to leave the labyrinth, not to harm the inhabitants of Crete, the most beautiful girls and boys of the country and criminals sentenced to death for their atrocities were regularly sacrificed to him.
Interestingly, during excavations in the area where the Labyrinth of the Minotaur is located, no human remains were found. Fans of mythology claim that this is direct evidence that a bloodthirsty man-eating creature lived in the building.
The exact address of the Labyrinth of the Minotaur and excursions in it
The Minotaur Labyrinth is one of the largest historical architectural monuments that have survived to this day. Its inspection can take a whole day, and excursions with professional guides will be interesting for tourists of all ages.
The attraction is located on the island of Crete, and is sometimes positioned as the Palace of Knossos. The exact address indicated on its official website is as follows: Greece, Crete, the city of Heraklion, the Palace of Knossos. Tourists can reach it by public transport, by sightseeing bus or by renting a car. The Minotaur Labyrinth is located just 5 km from the city.
Public transport to the Labyrinth of the Minotaur departs from the main square of Heraklion, Freedom Square, at intervals of half an hour. The cost of tickets to visit the Labyrinth of the Minotaur ranges from 8 (discounted) to 16 €. The schedule of visits to the palace is from 8 am to 7 pm in the period from October to July, from 9 to 15.00 in other months. Tourists who come to Crete on vouchers receive substantial discounts both on tickets to the Labyrinth of the Minotaur and on travel to it, since they are usually delivered there as part of excursion groups.
