A part of the historic mural of the famous Dolphins fresco at the Minoan Palace of Knossos collapsed on Friday due to stormy winds in the area.
The weather phenomena had earlier forces authorities to evacuate the archaeological site for reasons of precaution.
The serious incident occurred around noon on Friday, May 16, at the archaeological site of Knossos. The mural of the famous Dolphins Fresco dati was dated from the 1960s.
The mural is a copy of the former restoration by British archaeologist Arthur Evans, which for decades has been considered an integral element of the monument and a symbol of the Minoan artistic heritage.
The monument needs immediate interventions, not other studies and promises, say people who are in the area daily, pointing out that today’s incident was a matter of time to happen.
At the time of the collapse, approximately 300 visitors were inside the archaeological site of Knossos. Information indicated that the incident occurred shortly before 12 noon, while the decision to evacuate the area had already been made due to the strong winds blowing in the area.
The mural made of plaster consisted of three parts. According to initial estimates, two of them were detached and fell, resulting in serious damage and breakage of the Dolphins mural.
The original and famous Dolphins Fresco is exhibited at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion: The Dolphin Fresco is a magnificent seascape as well as a decorative masterpiece. Two dolphins are shown swimming among small blue, yellow and pink fish. The light blue background with a darker blue net pattern represents the iridescent surface of the sea. Fragments of the Fresco were found in a lightwell at the east end of the Queen’s Megaron in the Palace of Knossos. Although location and dating of the fresco are uncertain, it is believed they could be dated from as early as the beginning of the Neopalatian period of the Knossos Palace (1600-1450 BC.)
The collapse occurred in the east wing of the palace, which has already been blocked off and will remain closed until further notice, for safety reasons and to assess the damage.
According to information from neakriti.gr, the Ministry of Culture has already been informed of the incident and, according to the same sources, immediate restoration of the site has been requested, in order to protect the rest of the monument and prevent further damage.
The incident is causing intense concern and anger, as tour guides, organizations and archaeologists have complained and have been warning for years about the poor state of conservation of the site and the need for restoration, without a substantial solution to have ever been provided.
Despite repeated announcements of conservation projects, the image presented by the Palace remains disappointing, with experts speaking of “a site that, in some parts, seems neglected.”
The archaeological site of Knossos was evacuated and temporary closed to public from 1:00 to 4:00 on Friday afternoon due to gale force winds.
The precautionary evacuation of the site was carried out in order to ensure the safety of visitors and staff, authorities said in a statement.
It is recalled that the regular operating hours of the palace extend until 8:00 in the evening, but, as the Culture Ministry stated, the protection of the monument and the physical integrity of visitors are non-negotiable priorities.
For locals, workers and those familiar with the history of the area, the mural collapse is not just a damage: it is a loss of cultural memory.
The need for a comprehensive restoration plan and substantial intervention can no longer wait. The competent authorities are called upon to act immediately, before similar incidents are repeated and even more of the precious heritage of the Minoan civilization is lost, local media neakriti.gr that reported first about the Knossos mural collapse stressed.