Historical Museum of Crete

The Historical Museum of Crete, established in 1953 by the Society of Cretan Historical Studies, resides within a stunning neoclassical structure once belonging to Minos Kalokerinos, generously provided by the Kalokerinos family Institute. This museum proudly showcases enduring collections encompassing Byzantine ceramics, sculptures, coins, original artworks by the Cretan painter El Greco, relics from the Ottoman Period, artifacts linked to various Cretan revolutions, portraits of local fighters, Second World War documents, personal effects of author Nikos Kazantzakis, and an ethnographic array. It also intermittently hosts temporary exhibitions.

Specifically, the ground floor features the Andreas Kalokairinou room, providing insights into Christian-era Cretan history, notably emphasizing Venetian rule and the Cretan War. Additionally, it houses the Pottery room, the Early Byzantine Collection showcasing pillar capitals, mosaics, and architectural remnants from the Gortyn Basilica, the Late Byzantine Collection exhibiting architectural sculptures, and the Venetian Collections displaying coats of arms, sculptures, and inscriptions.

Ascending to the first floor unveils fragments of Byzantine frescoes, the Numismatic Collection, a Byzantine church showcasing frescoes from Panagia at Kardouliana, an icon and relic collection featuring prominent 19th-century icons by Dominicos Theotokopoulos (El Greco), and the Historical Collection depicting Ottoman Rule from the 19th to early 20th centuries.

On the subsequent levels, visitors encounter the World War II Collection, showcasing documents and artifacts from the Battle of Crete, German Occupation, and Resistance, alongside the office of Cretan Prime Minister Emmanouel Tsouderos (1882-1956). This floor also houses the Collection dedicated to author Nikos Kazantzakis, displaying furniture and decor from his residence in Antibes, France. An intriguing Ethnographic Collection further enriches the experience, spotlighting elements from traditional Cretan homes, historic production processes, and the life cycles of past Cretans.