The Royal Villa, adjoining the palace at Knossos, was built during the Late Minoan I period.
It is separated from the palace by a paved road,
the so-called Royal Road.
Its position, as well as a number of architectural details, indicate that the function of
the Royal Villa depended on the palace.
A very important feature which does not occur in other buildings of this category
is the stone throne which was found in a recess of the main room.
This recess was found was isolated with stairs and columns and communicated
via a light-well with the upper floor, indicating that it was used for rituals.
From the central room one can be led to a sacred pillar crypt, in which drains and cavities
were made obviously for the liquid offerings.
The walls of the crypt were built of gypsum while its floor was paved with gypsum slabs. A peculiar element which does not occur in any other Minoan building is the staircase which was separated in two wings leading to the upper floor. The southeast part of the villa which had a stone paved room, a bathroom and a lavatory seems to have been used as a private area.