17 May 2025 | 10:48 AM – Source: iefimerida.gr
High winds wreaked havoc at the archaeological site of Knossos on Friday, damaging one of its most recognizable features — the famed Dolphin Fresco.
According to a statement from the Greek Ministry of Culture, the Heraklion Ephorate of Antiquities completed an emergency recovery operation late Friday night. The effort involved carefully collecting and removing the fragments of the 1960 replica of the dolphin fresco, which had adorned the so-called “Queen’s Megaron” chambers of the ancient Minoan palace.
The original fresco, which dates back to the Bronze Age, remains safely housed in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
How Did It Happen?
The replica fresco detached from the wall Friday afternoon due to intense gale-force winds sweeping across the region. The violent weather conditions were so severe that officials temporarily closed the archaeological site for safety reasons.
Last night, the collection and removal of the fragments of the 1960 replica of the Dolphin Fresco were completed.
Photographs taken at the site show the damage, as well as ongoing restoration efforts already underway to stabilize the area and prepare for repairs.
Restoration Already Planned
Fortunately, restoration plans were already in motion. Detailed preservation and restoration studies for this part of the Knossos palace had been completed prior to the incident. The work is part of a broader cultural heritage initiative, funded through the 2021–2027 Crete Regional Operational Program (ESPA).
Restoration work at the site
With the structural assessments in place and funding secured, restoration work is expected to begin soon, ensuring that the iconic imagery of dolphins — a symbol of Minoan artistry and maritime culture — can once again be enjoyed by future visitors.
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The fresco detached yesterday afternoon due to the gale-force winds.
