MALIA PALACE

Malia was built at the same time as Knossos (in 1900 BC and rebuilt 200 years later after an earthquake) and finally abandoned around 1450 BC. No construction has been added since then. Discovered at the beginning of the century by the Greek archaeologist Joseph Hatzidakis, it was then excavated and fully uncovered by the French School of Archaeology in the early 1920s. It was here that a gold pendant with two bees (symbol of fertility and harmony) was discovered and is on display in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. The site itself, although not as imposing as Knossos or Phaistos, is in a particularly good location between the mountain and the sea. According to archaeologists, most probably near the palace, a port would have existed during the prehistoric period. We have no trace of the ancient name of the city. However, according to legend, Sarpedon, the younger brother of Minos, ruled over Milatos, a city that was located on the same site as the palace of Malia. On the site, no wall remains, which gives the possibility to easily understand the way the palace was structured by observing the foundations, and provides an impression of authenticity that is somewhat missing on the site of Knossos. It remains to excavate a part of the surroundings which is thought to have been a Minoan city. On your left at the entrance, an educational exhibition allows you to understand the history of the excavations with the help of models and very well made plans.

The site consists of two main parts: the royal residence and a residential area surrounding it, where the craftsmen of the palace would have resided. The palace is entered through a doorway facing west (although the main entrance was probably to the north). On the right, eight grain wells are visible. From the entrance, one follows a large paved alley on the left leading to the north gate. A columned vestibule leads to the central courtyard around which the palace was organised: administrative and religious buildings to the west, shops to the east, royal apartments to the north, which are accessed by crossing a small courtyard.

Around the palace , the ruins of the city being excavated are surmounted by footbridges that can be used to get an overall view of the dwellings and the urbanization plan. The site of Malia is much less visited than the other palaces of the same period and it allows you to wander quietly among the ruins. Enjoy it!