Knossos
Knossos is one of the most important cultural attractions not only in Crete, but also throughout the world. So the island are the remains of the largest palace of Minoan civilization. In this palace lived Minos, who was born from the union of Zeus with Europe. Minos was the founder of the great naval power of the island, the terror of the pirates, the wise legislator and leader of Minoan religion. Renowned architect and inventor Daedalus worked for Minos built a labyrinth for the sake of the king, which would close the Minotaur was half man and half bull. The escape of Daedalus from Crete is one of the most famous stories of Greek mythology. He made wings for himself and his son with bird feathers and wax, so flew to freedom. But despite the warnings of his father, Icarus flew too near the sun and the wax which were glued his wings melted and Icarus fell and drowned in the sea, since named the Icarian Sea.
Archaeological Museum of Heraklion
The Archaeological Museum is the largest and most important museums in Greece and one of the most important in Europe. Its exhibits include representative samples from all periods of Cretan prehistory and history. Dominant position, however, the collections hold the unique masterpieces of Minoan art, which can be admired in all its developments. The collection of Minoan antiquities is the largest in the world and the museum is fairly considered the pre-eminent museum of Minoan civilization. The museum building is an important example of modernist architecture movement in Greece, winning Bauhaus commendation. The building has two floors and has large showrooms, media room and laboratories. The museum also act cloakroom, shop masters hired on behalf of the Fund Archaological Resources and cafe with seating in the garden.