How many rooms did the Palace of Knossos have?

The Palace of Knossos is the most important of the Minoan palaces on Crete in Greece. It was built around 2000 BC and destroyed by an earthquake before 1700 BC, only to be rebuilt in the following years.

It suffered partial destruction around 1650 BC and significant damage before 1400 BC, when it was abandoned and later reused by the Dorians and Romans.

Its surface area is approximately 17,000 m² and it had more than 1,500 rooms. A wall borders it to the west and south, but it was not a defensive wall.

Access is from the west, and in this area there are three wells where cult objects and offerings were deposited. From the entrance, one can access the western propylaeum, where the king likely received his visitors.

The second entrance to the palace was from the south, where a door led to the south and north corridors, and from there to the central courtyard. This corridor is called the Corridor of the Lily Paintings because a fresco known as the "Prince of the Lilies" was found there, although a controversial reconstruction exists.

The east wing is built on the slope of the hill and has four levels. The grand staircase, protected by parapets and ingeniously illuminated, led to the royal chambers.

The throne room received light through an opening at the top. Today, there are copies of the frescoes found in various parts of the palace. At street level, the entrance to the throne room has a columned vestibule.