Visit the Historical Museum of Crete and follow the journey of the island from an early Christian era to the modern day. Featuring Byzantine artwork and exhibits charting the Cretan struggle for independence, this museum encapsulates the island’s rich past. Learn about the influences of Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman periods on Crete’s folk art. One of the museum’s most precious attractions is its display of two paintings by famed artist, Domenikos Theotokopoulos, otherwise known as El Greco.
Fittingly, the Historical Museum of Crete is housed in a historic landmark, a neoclassical mansion built in 1903. Its exhibits progress in chronological order, from the fourth century to shortly after World War II. Lovers of history will want to spend a day visiting this museum and the nearby Archaeological Museum, two of the city’s finest institutions of history.
Each tour begins in the AG Kalokerinos room, where a scale model of 17th-century Heraklion provides a fascinating insight into the period. A switchboard of 40 spotlights point out the most important landmarks of the era. Further exhibits delve into the world of folk art, displaying beautiful embroideries, weavings, carvings and Byzantine wall paintings.
Discover the stories and relics of the Cretan fight for independence in the Struggle for Cretan Freedom collection. The medieval and Renaissance collections feature soldiers’ armour and ladies’ jewellery. Enjoy the fascinating re-creation of the writing room of renowned literary genius, Nikos Kazantzakis. His most famous work, Zorba the Greek, can be bought to read later on your trip.
Spend a moment admiring the museum’s treasured paintings by El Greco. Of his many influential works, the Baptism of Christ and View of Mt. Sinai and the Monastery of St. Catherine are the last remaining of his works on Crete.
The Historical Museum of Crete is adjacent to the harbour, on Venizelou Road. The museum charges admission and is shut on Sundays.
