The Royal Road from the Minoan town ends in this gently stepped area leading to a flat paved rectangle immediately north west of the NW Lustral Area. A rectangular structure may have been for controlling access eastwards to the North Entrance since a branch of the Royal Road passes on the south side. Public events organised by the Palace could have been held here; it is unlikely to have been a reception area for foreign visitors since its link is with the Minoan town, and not the north approach from the coast.