Pillar Crypt


Located behind a stone-paved vestibule within the west wing of the palace, the pillar crypt is believed to have harboured the most important rooms.


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1. Grand Staircase

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This was the main staircase that led to the 'piano nobile', where important rooms such as reception areas were located.

2. Loggia

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The loggia was most probably used for ceremonial purposes.

3. West Magazines

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The west magazines were the palace's storerooms for agricultural products. It was believed that if there was a bad harvest, these reserves were…

5. Altar Pit

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Believed to be an altar where animals were sacrificed (many bone remains were found here).

6. Central Court

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The Central Court is the main court, measuring an impressive 48m long and 22m wide. On its western side archaeologists discovered one of the Kernos Stones…

7. Kernos Stone

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This disc with 34 impressions around its edge is on the western side of the Palace of Malia's Central Court. Archaeologists believe it probably had a…

8. Royal Apartments

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These apartments are referred to as the king's and queen's megarons, or royal halls.