Malia Palace Archaeological Site

Malia Palace Archaeological Site is a historical site that was once the third-largest Minoan palace after Knossos and Phaistos. It is located a few kilometres east of the seaside town of Malia. The archaeological site covers 7,500 square meters and shows signs of human activity dating back to the Neolithic period (6000-3000 BCE).

Apart from the Minoan Palace, other structures have garnered the interests of historians and tourists. There is a large area/court to the northwest called 'Agora', surrounded by several buildings. The' Crypt' area to the west, or The Hypostyle Crypt, is perhaps the most talked-about part of Malia Palace. It is a semi-underground structure with multiple doorways. There is a visitor centre that provides details about the excavations at Malia and displays models of the various buildings that were discovered. The 'Quartier Mu', a building featuring two multi-roomed properties, is another popular attraction. What survives today mainly dates back to the Middle Bronze Age, as evident from the architecture. Many artefacts unearthed at the site, such as the famous gold bee pendant and other Minoan items, are exhibited at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.