The Region of Crete confirmed that all necessary steps have been taken to secure the inclusion of the world-famous archeological site of Knossos on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
The news was announced after a high-level meeting convened by Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, Crete Region Governor Stavros Arnaoutakis, Heraklion Mayor Alexis Kalokairinos, and Vassiliki Sythiakaki, head of the local archeological service.
During the working group, stakeholders agreed to develop a comprehensive action plan aimed at achieving this milestone.
Actions follow the inclusion last year of the Zagori region in Epirus, northern Greece, on UNESCO’s World Heritage list, the 19th Greek entry.
The necessary works to the site’s exterior ahead of an upcoming inspection by an UNESCO delegation scheduled for the fall topped the meeting agenda.
Other issues discussed included plans to refurbish the site’s surrounding areas and parking facilities as well as the formulation of traffic management strategy to address the increasing number of visitors each year.
Referring to the significance of the initiatives, Mendoni stressed that the surrounding areas of Knossos must reflect the monument’s global importance.
On his part, Arnaoutakis highlighted the broader implications of the action plan, noting that it can potentially be applied to other Minoan palaces across the island.
A 15-minute drive from the Cretan port of Heraklion, Knossos is one of the most-visited tourist attractions in Greece, offering a captivating glimpse into the Bronze Age and the flourishing Minoan civilization.
