What will become of the unique find on Papoura Hill?

In the framework of the works for the New Heraklion International Airport, the excavation on “Papoura” hill revealed an exceptionally rare circular structure, with a diameter of 48–50 meters. This is a unique discovery in the Aegean region, both for its architectural concept and meticulous construction, as well as for its prominent position overlooking the Kastelli plain. The structure features a meandering arrangement of successive stone-built rings on different elevation levels and has been confirmed to have been used from the Prepalatial to the early Protopalatial period.

Findings suggest a possible cultic use of the monument, which—if confirmed through the excavation—would constitute one of the earliest pan-Cretan sanctuaries, as suggested by the presence of imported pottery from Mesara, Knossos, and the northern coast of the island. In addition to the circular structure at the summit, the slopes of the hill contain an ancient path, a building complex, and a sacred cave.

According to the Association of Greek Archaeologists, the intention of the airport’s managing company to install the radio navigation facilities in direct proximity to the ancient structure constitutes a flagrant violation of the Archaeological Law. It would cause both direct and indirect damage to the monument itself and its surrounding area.

The Association reminds all parties that both the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport and the Minister of Culture herself had publicly stated that a different, suitable location would be sought for the radar installation. “Certainly, placing it just 20 meters from the monument is not that alternative. We believe that in 2025, it is unacceptable that no technical solution can be found to prevent another archaeological tragedy, such as the one that befell the Neolithic acropolis at Zághani during the construction of the ‘Eleftherios Venizelos’ International Airport”, the Association states.

“This intervention and its specific use would render the promotion of the hill as a visitable archaeological site practically impossible, as it would cause significant transformations and distortions to the human-made environment and the archaeological landscape—disrupting the inseparable connection between the two. Furthermore, the planned construction work, including quarrying with explosives, may cause damage to the monument itself, whose excavation is still ongoing”, the Association points out.

The Local Branch of Crete of the Association of Greek Archaeologists demands that the monument of Papoura—unique in scale, form, architectural conception, and execution—be protected, preserved, and promoted as a visitable archaeological site. Its integrity, the surrounding environment, and its future accessibility must not be undermined in any way by installations such as radars and control towers.

“We believe it is our duty to safeguard the unique archaeological landscape of the hill that has embraced the monument of Papoura for millennia—waiting patiently to be revealed by the archaeologist’s spade. Only then will both the researcher and the visitor be able to experience the unparalleled encounter with this one-of-a-kind monument and its setting”, The Association of Archaeologists concludes.