Visit the Palace of Malia to gain a unique insight into the interesting Bronze Age culture that left an indelible mark on the island of Crete. Wander through the remnants of a great royal palace while you learn about traditional ceremonies and rituals at this remarkable Minoan archaeological site.
The Palace of Malia was said to have been belonged to Sarpedon, brother of King Minos. The original palace has been dated as far back as 1900 B.C., but a few centuries later it was destroyed and a second palace was built in its place.
The second palace fell in 1450 B.C., most likely due to an earthquake, but its well-preserved remains have been expertly maintained by archaeologists. Now you can wander through the grounds and immerse yourself in the reconstructed history of this fascinating site.
As you enter the central courtyard of the palace, take note of the ancient paving stones. These were walked on by Minoans thousands of years ago.
In the courtyard’s southwest you will find the Kernos of Malia, the most iconic of the palace’s monuments. The kernos is a circular stone table, with small depressions around its outside and a hole in the middle. The precise use of the kernos is uncertain. Some believe it was used for gambling, whereas others suggest it was used to perform ritual offerings. According to one theory, worshippers placed small amounts of the first harvest, usually fruits and seeds, into the small depressions and filled the hole in the middle with a libation of some sort.
Walk a short way north of the palace to the Minoan necropolis. This burying place dates back to the first palace on the site. The necropolis is where archaeologists found the famous Golden Bee pendant, a sculptural masterpiece that is now on display in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum in town.
The Palace of Malia is located outside the town of Malia, some 37 kilometres (22 miles) east of Heraklion. Buses run from Heraklion to the palace. There is an entry fee. Opening hours depend on the season, so check in advance to be safe.
