Heraklion Historical Museum

The Heraklion Historical Museum (or Historical Museum of Crete, as it is officially called) is a very well appointed and well curated Museum, located in the heart of the city of Heraklion. It is definitely worth a visit, due to its amazing collections.

Combined with the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, the Historical Museum of Crete offers a complete picture on the rich and interesting Cretan History. The museum begins with the Roman Era and continues up to the present. Its collections include:

The Medieval and Renaissance Collection that feature icons, tombstones, armours, jewellery and coins from this era. It is a rather impressive collection and gives you an insight about Crete which is not known to the vast majority of visitors.

The Struggle for Independence and Revolution Collection: Crete is an island known for its struggle and fight against the Turks and other Reigns. The stories of Cretan rebels and famous fighters, artefacts and other items from the tormented years of the short lived Independent Cretan State are nicely and carefully depicted through this collection.

Folk Art Collection: Crete is a place where folk art and tradition are of vital importance, therefore, this collection is rich and very intriguing: weavings, carvings, artefacts, Embroideries and items from the everyday life of Cretan People are included in the collection. It’s an excellent way to get to know the Cretan People and their arts.

Nikos Kazantzakis Room: The creator of Zorba the Greek, one of the literary giants in the world, Nikos Kazantzakis, is well worth his one compartment in the museum. Tourists and travellers have the chance to see some of his handwritten pieces and other personal items.

Ceramics Collection: Minoan Civilization was famous for its pottery and ceramics, but this collection will prove that Cretan pottery did not end then. Pieces from Byzantium, the Venetian and Ottoman Era are featured in this collection.

The Museum hosts temporary collections as well, featuring specific Cretan themes and topics and is worth visiting during your stay in Heraklion, if you are interested in finding out a few more things about the Cretan land and its people.

Visiting Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm; Saturday 9am-2pm; closed Sundays and holidays. Admission Fee is 3€.