Minoan Palace of Zominthos Gains UNESCO World Heritage Status

Friday, 29 May 2026/Source: CretaOne/1 min read

The Minoan palace site of Zominthos, located on the slopes of Mount Psiloritis (Ida) in central Crete, has been formally recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mayor of Anogia, Sokratis Kefalogiannis, welcomed the inscription, noting that the recognition carries significant responsibility for preserving the site. Zominthos is a rare example of a Minoan palatial complex situated at high altitude, offering a distinct archaeological experience compared to better-known sites like Knossos. The site sits near the village of Anogia, roughly 50 kilometers southwest of Heraklion. Visitors can access Zominthos via the road leading toward the Idaion Cave, another major archaeological landmark on the mountain. The UNESCO listing is expected to increase visitor interest, so early arrival is recommended during summer months.