A wonderful journey to the Minoan Civilization begins at Heraklion Archaeological Museum, a Special Regional Service of the Ministry of Culture. Its purpose is to acquire, safeguard, conserve, record, study, publish, display and promote Cretan artefacts from the Prehistoric to the Late Roman period. The museum organizes temporary exhibitions in Greece and abroad, collaborates with scientific and scholarly institutions, and houses a variety of cultural events.
The present building was constructed between 1933 and 1937 on the site of the imposing Venetian Franciscan friary, destroyed by an earthquake in 1856. The museum brings together archaeological finds from all over Crete, covering over 5500 years of the island’s history. Pride of place is given to the treasures of Minoan civilization, the entire historical course of which can thus be appreciated. Justly regarded as the home of Minoan civilization par excellence, the museum houses the most important collection of Minoan antiquities the world over.
Do not miss: Phaistos Disc, a round clay disc with hieroglyphics and ideograms inscribed on it, is certainly one of the most impressive artefacts of the Museum. The snake goddess, the Minoan Frescos, like “La Parisienne”, the King Minos ring and the famous “Bees” jewel are among the most unique exhibits.
Extra tip: Combine your visit to the Museum with a visit to the Palace of Knossos, 5km Southeast of Heraklion, in an idyllic location among olive groves and cypresses. Knossos is the largest one of the preserved Minoan palatial centres and the site of the most important palace of Minoan civilization. According to tradition, it was the seat of the legendary king Minos. The Palace is also associated with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth with the Minotaur, and the story of Daidalos and Ikaros.
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