Delve into this ancient city’s engrossing past at the Historical Museum of Crete, a well-equipped modern museum with a truly impressive historical range. See two El Greco originals as well as the recreated writing room of Nikos Kazantzakis, a literary legend in Greece. Investigate a scale model of the Heraklion of yore and learn about Crete’s many different eras, from Neolithic settlements to the battle for independence and beyond.
The museum was founded in 1952 and since then it has been housed in the same turn-of-the-century neoclassical building. As you follow the museum’s exhibits, you will be moving chronologically through the history of Heraklion. Start in the fourth century and make your way through to World War II. Along the way, you’ll encounter art and artefacts from the Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman periods, all different epochs with intertwining cultural legacies in Crete.
In the AG Kalokerinos room, you will find a scale model of Heraklion in Venetian times. The city, then called Chandax, was at the height of its powers during the middle of the 17th century. Forty of the most important sites on display are illuminated by spotlights, which visitors can select and turn on individually.
Continue through the exhibits to see some carvings and embroideries in the Folk Art collection, as well as a range of fascinating artefacts from the Byzantine period. The Struggle for Cretan Freedom collection offers a unique insight into Crete’s short life as an independent nation. The medieval and Renaissance sections display collections of jewellery and soldiers’ armour. Take advantage of the museum’s audiovisual material in its immersive exhibition about Crete during World War II.
Stop by a recreation of the writing room of the great Greek author Nikos Kazantzakis, famous for his novel Zorba the Greek. Art fans should see two original works by the distinctive artist Domenikos Theotokopolous, better known as El Greco. These two paintings are the only two of his that can still be found on the island of Crete.
The Historical Museum of Crete is open every day except Sunday, and there is an admission fee. The museum is located by the harbour on Venizelou Road.
