A recent strong wind event in Crete has caused the collapse of the dolphin mural at the Palace of Knossos, leading to damage to part of the wall painting.
This particular section of the mural was a plaster replica created during Arthur Evans’ restoration in 1960. Initial reports suggest that two pieces have come loose and fallen, resulting in significant damage.
The collapse occurred in the eastern wing of the palace, which has since been cordoned off and will remain closed until further assessments can be conducted, prioritizing safety.
According to neakriti.gr, the Ministry of Culture has been notified of the incident, and authorities have called for urgent restoration efforts to safeguard the remaining structures and prevent additional damage.
Knossos Site Update: The mural featuring dolphins at the Palace of Knossos has suffered damage due to strong winds – see photos on cretalive.gr.
Closure of the Knossos Archaeological Site
On Friday, a precautionary evacuation of the site took place due to gale-force winds impacting the area. The Ministry of Culture instituted a temporary closure from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM to ensure visitor and staff safety.
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