URGENT APPEAL FROM CRETE: #SAVEPAPOURA

Now – if no action is taken – the site, which has not even been properly studied yet, will be forever gone.

Local citizens contacted ARCH and are calling for urgent international support.

The Hill of Papoura, located in Kastelli Pediadas, Heraklion, is home to a remarkable circular structure dating back to the Final Prepalatial period, thought to be around 4,000 years old.

Experts describe it as unlike anything else known in the Aegean, making it a site of rare historical significance.

But despite its protected status, this ancient monument is now at risk: plans to install a civil aviation radar on the hill threaten to permanently damage the site. Construction works are already moving forward – in direct violation of both Greek and international cultural heritage laws.

The appeal to save Papoura comes from a grassroots group of archaeologists, scientists, architects, and residents who have dedicated themselves to defending their history.

You can help by signing and sharing their petition:
https://secure.avaaz.org/community_petitions/en/upourgeio_politismou_soste_ten_papoura_ena_emblematiko_mnemeio_katastrephetai/

This is a critical moment. With enough public pressure, it may still be possible to stop the works and protect this irreplaceable part of Crete’s heritage.