Crete through its Museums
This article intends to introduce the 4 Archaeological Museums in Crete.
Crete is heaven for history buffs and for all those who are intrigued about ancient civilizations. Aside from the various archaeological sites and spread out landmarks, this island’s extraordinary museums, capture the entire scope of its long history and unique finds from the ancient Minoan civilization until the present-day.
Therefore, it is extremely worth committing a few hours to be guided in the most fascinating archaeological museums of the island.
Archaeological Museum of Heraklion
The Archeological Museum is situated right in the center of Heraklion town. It is one of the most significant Archeological Museums in the entire world. The displays spread across a period of 5500 years from the Neolithic period until the Roman era. Furthermore, it presents the biggest exhibition of finds from the Minoan Civilization, the first European civilization. The Museum underwent extensive renovations and its 24 exhibition halls opened to the people in May 2014. In addition, guests can appreciate one of a kind displays from the excavations at Knossos, Phaistos, Agia Triada, Malia, and other significant places of Minoan Crete. The visit begins from the halls on the ground floor devoting it to the Minoan Civilization. They cover all periods of the Minoan development (3000 – 1300 BC). The explanatory texts in every room give the primary attributes of every period. Finally, in these Minoan halls, the guest can observe objects of Minoan workmanship, gems, art, jewelry, pottery, and quotidian objects the Minoans used.
Address: Xanthoudidou 2 St., Herakleion, 71202
Telephone: 0030 2810 279000
Admission: 12EUR
Email: amh@culture.gr
Archaeological Museum of Chania
The Archeological Museum of Chania is situated in the old downtown area in the Venetian church, devoted to St. Francis. Notably, the Saint of the Franciscan priests, is a significant landmark of the city. The division of the exhibition is in two sections: the eastern and western. In the eastern section of the structure, you will witness discoveries from the Neolithic Age up to the late Minoan period. While in the west section, there are discoveries from the Geometric times up to the Roman period. The mosaic floors of the Roman era (2nd – 3rd century AD) are exceptionally intriguing. They introduce displays from the Dionysian phase as well as displays of the myth of Poseidon and the nymph Amymone.
Address: 28 Halidon St., Chania, 73132
Telephone: 0030 28210 90334
Admission: 4EUR
Email: efacha@culture.gr
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno
The Archeological Museum in Rethymno is situated in the pentagon building, positioned before the primary entryway of the Fortezza. The collections originate from numerous locations of the wider area, covering the prehistoric and more recent periods. Moreover, in Melidoni Cave we can witness numerous items from the Neolithic (3500-2900 BC) and Early Minoan (2800-2100 BC). These artifacts are primarily pottery and sculptures. Additionally, visitors have the chance to see antiquities from the Late Minoan era (1600-1100 BC), the Geometric era (1000-700 BC), the Archaic (700-500 BC), and the Classical era (500-300 BC). Finally, from the Hellenistic and the Roman era the marble statue of Aphrodite, a Roman duplicate of the well known Greek sculpture, will definitely catch your eye.
Address: 4 St. Frances St., Rethymno, 74131
Telephone: 0030 28310 27506
Admission: 2EUR
Email: efareth@culture.gr
Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos
The Archeological Museum in Agios Nikolaos was established in 1970, to introduce the various discoveries from eastern Crete. However, before then, the discoveries were housed in the Museum of Heraklion. The collection covers the time of the Neolithic age to the end of the Greco-Roman age. The museum is split into five rooms. In the main room, the phallus-formed statuette is the centerpiece, found in Zakros Cave. Proceeding to the next room, the most celebrated object of the Museum, the „Goddess of Myrtos„ is revealed. The fourth room is devoted to the New Royal period (1700-1450 BC). Ultimately, the last room is decorated with the discoveries of the Classical, Hellenistic time.
Address: 74 Konstantinou Palaiologou St., Agios Nikolaos, 72100
Telephone: 0030 28410 24943
Admission: Free
Email: efalas@culture.gr
If you are interested in history and wish to visit the Museums of Crete, these three amazing private tours are designed just for you!
Knossos Palace and Heraklion Archaeology Museum