The project of the reconstruction of the entrance to the archaeological site of Knossos is a priority for the Ministry of Culture. The preliminary studies – architectural, structural, electromechanical and geotechnical – and the geotechnical study were carried out in the framework of a research project to connect the archaeological site with the urban and suburban fabric of Heraklion.

The Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, said: “Knossos is the second most visited archaeological site in Greece, after the Acropolis. The promotion of its Minoan Palace – and five other palace complexes of the same era – is a priority for the Ministry of Culture. The Minoan Palace is our country’s nomination, in 2025, for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List. With the aim of including the Minoan Palaces in a cultural route that highlights and assimilates the developmental dynamics of this unique heritage, we have planned a series of interventions for the restoration and promotion of these unique architectural ensembles. At Knossos Palace, restoration interventions are underway at important monuments of the archaeological site, as well as projects to improve the tour and accessibility. The present study is part of an overall redevelopment project of the archaeological site, but also of the wider urban area, which aims to regularise the entrance/exit areas, solving functional and aesthetic problems related to the stopping, movement and service of visitors. Our aim is to comprehensively transform the wider area and enhance the experience of visiting the site, as befits the archaeological and historical value of this particular palace.”