Historical Museum of Crete
Explore Crete's art and history from Byzantine to modern times in a charming neoclassical building.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Historical Museum of Crete
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Crete's art and history from Byzantine to modern times in a charming neoclassical building.
"A hidden gem offering a deep and thorough insight into Crete’s history and culture."
Allocate ample time
Don't rush! This museum has 3+ floors of artifacts. Give yourself at least 2-3 hours. :clock1:
Cafe with a view
Enjoy the sea view from the cafe terrace. Perfect for a break after exploring. :coffee:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Nikos Kazantzakis' Office
Second Floor
Step into the recreated office of the renowned Cretan writer, filled with his personal belongings.
Byzantine & Venetian Eras
Various Galleries
Explore intricate mosaics, religious artifacts, and weaponry from Crete's influential past.
Modern Cretan History
Upper Floors
Discover exhibits detailing Crete's experiences during WWI, WWII, and its path to modern times.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beyond Knossos: Uncover Crete's Rich Past
Timing is Key for a Deeper Dive
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Allocate ample time
Don't rush! This museum has 3+ floors of artifacts. Give yourself at least 2-3 hours. :clock1:
Cafe with a view
Enjoy the sea view from the cafe terrace. Perfect for a break after exploring. :coffee:
What else to see in Heraklion in addition to the Archeological Museum and Knossos Palace?
Beyond the Archeological Museum
A great complement to the Archeological Museum, offering a broader historical perspective. :scroll:
Well-organized displays
Exhibits are coherently presented, making it easy to follow Crete's timeline. :bulb:
Tips
from all over the internet
Allocate ample time
Don't rush! This museum has 3+ floors of artifacts. Give yourself at least 2-3 hours. :clock1:
Cafe with a view
Enjoy the sea view from the cafe terrace. Perfect for a break after exploring. :coffee:
Beyond the Archeological Museum
A great complement to the Archeological Museum, offering a broader historical perspective. :scroll:
Well-organized displays
Exhibits are coherently presented, making it easy to follow Crete's timeline. :bulb:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Historical Museum of Crete for its comprehensive and well-organized exhibits, offering a deep dive into the island's history from Byzantine times to the 20th century. Many highlight the recreated office of Nikos Kazantzakis and the pleasant cafe with sea views as standout features. While sometimes overshadowed by the Archeological Museum, it's considered a valuable and insightful experience.
"This museum exceeded my expectations! Really well laid out with a lot of information on all eras of Crete - from the Byzantine empire through to WWI and WWII. I especially loved the recreated office of Nikos Kazantzakis and the Greek president (at the time of WWII) with their donated belongings. Highly recommend visiting to get a deep and thorough insight into Crete’s history and culture."
Emma Maciaszek
"I had an awesome time walking around the historical museum of Crete with two of my friends, and it was an awesome place to spend part of our small trip to Heraklion!
The building has 3 floors, excluding the ground floor, and every one is full of interesting information and relics from the past of Crete!
There is also a nice restaurant on the first floor"
Gabriel Vollans-clark
"An excellent collection, wonderfully displayed, and coherently presented within a charming building.
Truly, a hidden gem condemned to stay in the shadow of the magnificent archeological museum a few blocks away.
If you can manage the time to pay it a visit, it will be well deserving of the time you commit to it."
George Syros
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is centrally located in Heraklion, making it easily accessible on foot from most city center hotels. If arriving by car, look for public parking nearby. Buses also stop frequently in the city center, a short walk away.
It's a moderate distance from both. From the port, it's about a 15-20 minute walk. From the airport, you'll likely need a taxi or a local bus to reach the city center, then a short walk to the museum.
If you're staying in a resort town, consider taking a local bus to Heraklion's main bus station and then walking or taking a short taxi ride to the museum. Renting a car is also an option, but parking in the city can be challenging.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or call ahead, but generally, it's open most days from morning to late afternoon.
Admission fees are typically reasonable. Check the museum's official website for the most current pricing for adults and any potential discounts for students or seniors.
While not always available, it's worth checking the museum's official website for online ticket purchasing options, which can sometimes save you time upon arrival.
There is no strict dress code, but it's advisable to dress respectfully, especially when visiting any religious artifacts. Comfortable shoes are recommended as you'll be doing a lot of walking.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum houses a vast collection spanning from the early Christian period to modern times, including Byzantine icons, Venetian armor, Ottoman artifacts, and exhibits on Cretan life during the 20th century.
Most visitors find that 2-3 hours is sufficient to explore the museum thoroughly and appreciate its diverse exhibits.
While it offers a lot of historical information, younger children might find some exhibits less engaging. However, the recreated office and some of the visual displays can be interesting.
Yes, there is a cafe on the first floor with a terrace offering nice views, perfect for a break.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the artifacts. It's always best to look for signage or ask staff if unsure.
📸 📸 Photography
The recreated office of Nikos Kazantzakis offers a unique, atmospheric shot. The cafe terrace provides lovely views of the city and sea. Look for interesting artifacts and architectural details within the galleries.
Flash photography is typically not allowed to preserve the delicate artifacts. Always check for specific signs or ask museum staff if you're unsure about any restrictions.
A versatile camera with good low-light performance is ideal, as some areas may be dimly lit. A standard zoom lens or a prime lens like a 35mm or 50mm would be suitable for capturing exhibits and details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on specific exhibits that might capture their imagination, such as displays of weaponry or artifacts from more recent history. It's a good complement to the more ancient sites like Knossos, offering a different facet of Cretan heritage.
📚 History Buffs & Culture Enthusiasts
For those who appreciate context and a broader historical perspective beyond just ancient civilizations, the Historical Museum of Crete offers a rich and rewarding experience. It's often recommended as a vital stop to truly grasp the island's multifaceted cultural heritage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Cretan Eras
One of the most poignant exhibits is the recreated office of Nikos Kazantzakis, the celebrated Cretan author. This space offers an intimate glimpse into the writer's life and work, featuring his personal belongings and study. The museum's layout is praised for its coherence, allowing visitors to follow the historical narrative smoothly. The building itself, a neoclassical structure, adds to the ambiance, making the exploration of Crete's past a truly immersive experience.
Beyond the historical relics, the museum also boasts a pleasant cafe with a terrace, providing a welcome respite and offering scenic views of the city and the sea. This makes it an ideal spot to reflect on the historical journey or simply enjoy a moment of relaxation. It's often described as a 'hidden gem' that deserves more attention, especially for those seeking a comprehensive understanding of Crete's multifaceted identity.
Navigating the Collections
Moving into more recent history, the exhibits on the Ottoman rule and the 20th century are equally compelling. These sections delve into the struggles for independence, the impact of global conflicts like World War I and II on Crete, and the eventual formation of modern Greece. The inclusion of personal items and documents from prominent Cretan figures, such as the aforementioned Nikos Kazantzakis, adds a deeply personal dimension to the historical narrative.
Visitors often highlight the clarity of the displays and the informative captions, which help to contextualize the artifacts. While it might not have the sheer volume of ancient Minoan treasures found elsewhere, the Historical Museum of Crete offers a unique and essential perspective on the island's continuous evolution and enduring cultural legacy.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit