Greece Wins 2025 Palmyra Award for Minoan Discovery in Crete –

Greece has been awarded the 2025 Palmyra Award for its groundbreaking discovery of an ancient Minoan structure on Papoura Hill in Crete. The honor was bestowed during the 27th Mediterranean Exchange of Archaeological Tourism (BMTA) in Paestum, Italy, with Culture Minister Lina Mendoni accepting the prize on Friday.

The award recognizes Greece’s top archaeological find of 2024: the excavation of a enigmatic Minoan building, hailed by organizers as “a mysterious palace evoking the myth of the labyrinth.”

In remarks to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency, Mendoni underscored the award’s prestige and the strengthening cultural ties with Italy:

“This is a significant milestone. The BMTA enjoys international acclaim and maintains exceptional standards, making our participation here all the more meaningful. The Palmyra Award, named in memory of the archaeologist of Palmyra, carries great weight as it honors an outstanding excavation—the unearthing of this Minoan complex on Papoura Hill. Though the site was previously known, the structure emerged during surveys for the new Kastelli airport. As period specialists affirm, the discovery reshapes our understanding of Minoan archaeology. That is the find’s true value. The excavation, led by the Heraklion Antiquities Ephorate under the Greek Archaeological Service, is thus rightfully celebrated. On behalf of the Service, the award is received by its highest official, Director General of Antiquities and Cultural Heritage Mrs. Olympia Vikatou.”

Greece Wins Prestigious Award for Best Archaeological Discovery

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archaeological excavation, BMTA, Crete, Greece, Kastelli Airport, labyrinth myth, Lina Mendoni, Minoan discovery, Olympia Vikatou, Paestum, Palmyra Award, Papoura Hill