6Knossos Palace, Crete – The Labyrinth of the Minotaur

The island of Crete is steeped in mythology, particularly the tale of King Minos and the half-man, half-bull creature known as the Minotaur.

According to legend, the creature was kept in an elaborate labyrinth built beneath the Palace of Knossos. Archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans uncovered the sprawling Bronze Age palace in the early 20th century, fueling theories that its complex corridors inspired the labyrinth myth. Walking through Knossos today, visitors see frescoes, throne rooms, and winding passageways that echo the myth.