Must Visit Categories: Attractions Heraklion Attractions

Upon entering the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, we were immediately enveloped by the profound sense of history that permeates the place. This museum is more than a collection of artifacts; it’s a portal to the past, offering us a vivid glimpse into the rich tapestry of Crete’s history, spanning an impressive 5,500 years. The museum showcases the evolution of Cretan civilization from the Neolithic age to the Roman era, but it’s the masterpieces of the Minoan civilization that truly captivate.

Discovering the Minoan Civilization

The museum’s collection is vast and varied, with each artifact telling its own unique story of the past. Among the exhibits, the Minoan artifacts, unearthed from significant archaeological sites like Knossos, Phaestos, Zakros, and Malia, were particularly enthralling. It felt as though each piece, whether it be a fragment of pottery, a piece of jewelry, or a marble statue, held a secret waiting to be discovered by us.

A Testament to Cretan History

The history of the museum itself is as fascinating as the items it houses. Learning about its origins, from the first archaeological collection created in 1883 when Crete was still under Ottoman occupation, to its present state, was intriguing. The journey of the museum, from housing its initial collection in two rooms in the yard of the cathedral church of Saint Minas to the construction of the current building in 1937, designed by architect Patroklos Karantinos, highlights the importance and continuous growth of this cultural institution.

The permanent exhibition includes findings from the prehistoric to the Minoan times, showcasing pottery pieces, everyday life items, jewelry, marble statues, stone statuettes, and seals excavated from palaces, cemeteries, and public buildings. The most important exhibits for us were the Minoan statues from Knossos and the Phaistos Disc, which stood as testaments to the sophisticated civilization that once flourished on Crete.

After being closed for renovation from November 2006 until May 2013, the entire museum has now reopened, once again offering us the opportunity to walk through the annals of time and explore the rich heritage of Crete. Our visit to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion was not just an educational experience but a journey that connected us with the ancient past in a profound and meaningful way.