The Minoan Palaces of Crete have been designated as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. The decision by the international organisation was unanimous.
A significant recognition of the Minoan civilisation is the unanimous decision taken at the 47th UNESCO Conference in Paris to include the Minoan palaces in Crete on the World Heritage List.
UNESCO, in its announcement of this historic decision, notes that the Minoan palaces highlight “the complexity of Minoan society and their enduring influence on the history of the Mediterranean.”
The inclusion was approved during the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee, held in Paris, in the presence of the Greek delegation, which played an active role in supporting the nomination dossier.
Six archaeological sites
According to the decision of the international organisation, which operates under the auspices of the UN, there are now six archaeological sites on Crete that enjoy international protection: the Palace of Knossos, the Palace of Phaistos, the Palace of Zakros, the Palace of Malia, the Palace of Zominthos and the Palace of Kydonia (Chania).
These palaces, which date back to the 2nd millennium BC, reflect the pioneering architecture, social organisation and religious worldview of the Minoans and their culture.
UNESCO’s decision was based on the cultural value, historical significance and uniqueness of these monuments. This recognition is considered important not only for promoting tourism in Crete, but also for the long-term preservation and promotion of the archaeological sites.
The Governor of Crete, Stavros Arnaoutakis, highlighted UNESCO’s historic decision regarding the Minoan palaces:
“A multi-year and systematic effort has yielded excellent results. With the formulation, documentation and acceptance by UNESCO of the nomination for the Minoan Palatial Centres, Crete is gaining, through “soft power”, an expanded role in global cultural diplomacy.”. The inscription of the six Minoan palatial centres on the UNESCO World Heritage List is a development that will undoubtedly bring numerous benefits to our country.
The contribution made by the Ministry of Culture and the Greek Permanent Delegation to UNESCO was crucial. I would like to thank both the leadership of the Ministry and the Permanent Delegation, as well as the heads of the various departments, and our partners in the Region and the Municipalities for their crucial contribution. Only by working together can we achieve the best result.
”From today, when we talk about the Minoan Palaces, the world will recognise that we are referring to World Heritage monuments. And this makes us proud and optimistic about the future.”
Source: in.gr