Replica Dolphin Mural Collapses at Knossos Palace Amid Safety Concerns

A plaster replica of the iconic Dolphin Mural at the Palace of Knossos in Crete partially collapsed on Friday, with two of its three sections detaching and shattering. The collapse occurred in the eastern wing of the palace, which was being evacuated due to strong winds, although experts attribute the damage primarily to long-standing maintenance neglect rather than weather conditions. Approximately 300 visitors were present during the incident, prompting the authorities to seal off the affected area for safety and damage assessment. The Ministry of Culture has been notified and called for immediate restoration to prevent further deterioration, as the site remains in disrepair despite repeated conservation promises. Local archaeologists and tour guides have expressed frustration over the neglect, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention to protect the monument, which is currently under consideration for UNESCO World Heritage status. The original Dolphin Fresco is preserved in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, with the collapsed mural being a 20th-century plaster restoration by Arthur Evans.