Calls for Minoan Civilization, Spinalonga to be Named UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Photo © Tanjala Gica, Shutterstock

On occasion of an UNESCO Committee Convention held in Heraklion, Crete, last weekend, Crete Region Prefect Stavros Arnaoutakis and Heraklion Mayor Vassilis Labrinos called for the inclusion of Minoan Civilization and Spinalonga island on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.

Photo: © Papik / Shutterstock

Delegates from 18 countries gathered on Crete last weekend to discuss the inclusion of Minoan Civilization and the islet of Spinalonga – once a leper colony – on UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites list.

Experts from Asia, Europe, Africa, North and South America convened at Heraklion’s St Mark Basilica chaired by Culture Ministry Secretary General Maria Vlazaki to discuss the protection of cultural property from antiquities smuggling activities, while committee members had the chance earlier that day to visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion and learn more about the Minoan Palaces including Knossos, Phaistos, Zakros, Malia and Cydonia via a video presentation.

“We are confident that the UNESCO Committee will contribute to the common effort for the protection of the world’s archaeological treasures and the Region of Crete is present in this action,” said Arnaoutakis.