Historical Museum of Crete Tours and Activities
41 Reviews
Founded in 1953, Heraklion’s Historical Museum of Crete highlights events and artifacts from Crete’s varied past. Displaying priceless frescos, traditional Cretan costumes, and a model of Heraklion as it looked in the 17th century, the museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of the island.
The Basics
Crete is an island with a long and storied history, with signs of habitation on the island dating back to 7,000 BC—some 9,000 years ago. The Historical Museum of Crete focuses on the island’s last 2,000 years with a wealth of artifacts from the first century to present day. Exhibits are divided into chronological sections to make it easy for visitors to navigate the displays.
Many visitors stop at the museum while exploring Heraklion on foot or as part of a hop-on hop-off bus tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
The Historical Museum of Crete occupies a neoclassical building on Lyssimachou Kalokairinou Street, just behind the waterfront. It’s within walking distance from other popular sites in town, and hop-on hop-off tour buses stop outside the museum.
When to Get There
Visitors often spend several hours at the museum. The museum is busiest in the afternoons, so visit in the morning for a quieter experience. It’s closed for major holidays, and has extended hours in summer.
Visit the Koules Fortress
Crete (and its capital, Heraklion) was ruled by the Venetians for 400 years, from the 13th to the 17th centuries. To learn more about this period, and the Venetians’ seafaring prowess, visit the Koules Fortress, located a short distance away from the Historical Museum of Crete along the harbor wall.
The Basics
Crete is an island with a long and storied history, with signs of habitation on the island dating back to 7,000 BC—some 9,000 years ago. The Historical Museum of Crete focuses on the island’s last 2,000 years with a wealth of artifacts from the first century to present day. Exhibits are divided into chronological sections to make it easy for visitors to navigate the displays.
Many visitors stop at the museum while exploring Heraklion on foot or as part of a hop-on hop-off bus tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entry to the museum is via paid ticket.
- Request an audio guide (extra cost) to learn more about the exhibits.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible.
- Look for two works by the famous Cretan painter El Greco.
- There’s a small garden and on-site coffee shop with sea views.
How to Get There
The Historical Museum of Crete occupies a neoclassical building on Lyssimachou Kalokairinou Street, just behind the waterfront. It’s within walking distance from other popular sites in town, and hop-on hop-off tour buses stop outside the museum.
When to Get There
Visitors often spend several hours at the museum. The museum is busiest in the afternoons, so visit in the morning for a quieter experience. It’s closed for major holidays, and has extended hours in summer.
Visit the Koules Fortress
Crete (and its capital, Heraklion) was ruled by the Venetians for 400 years, from the 13th to the 17th centuries. To learn more about this period, and the Venetians’ seafaring prowess, visit the Koules Fortress, located a short distance away from the Historical Museum of Crete along the harbor wall.
Address: House A. & M. Kalokerinos, 27, Sofokli Venizelou Ave, Heraklion 71202, Greece
Admission: Varies
1 Tours and Activities to Experience Historical Museum of Crete
Sort by:Featured
The best of Heraklion Walking tour
Heraklion, the capital of the Greek island of Crete. It is known for Venetian harbour architecture and modern condominiums; all surrounded by winding streets of Byzantine brick buildings. The walls of Chandax is the most important medieval fortification network of the entire Mediterranean Sea. Do you know that it was built in the 16th century? How is Venetian kingdom related to this beautiful part of Crete? How many kilometers underground tunnels, how many great bastions, gates, are hidden in the old part of Heraklion? With local professional guide, you will walk though the most important parts of the city- Venetian fountain of Morosini, Venetian Loggia, the Venetian Port with the Fortress of "Koule", town's open-air market, visit historical monuments and churches- Basilica of St. Marc, St. Titos church, that identify the impressive Greco-Venetian character of the city. Will hear secret stories at the Historical Museum of Crete where 18 centuries of Cretan history are exhibited.
…More
From
$868.31
per group
From
$868.31
per group
Things to do near Crete
- Things to do in Heraklion
- Things to do in Cyclades Islands
- Things to do in Dodecanese
- Things to do in Aegean Coast
- Things to do in Santorini
- Things to do in Ios
- Things to do in Kos
- Things to do in Bodrum
- Things to do in Athens
- Things to do in Turkish Riviera
- Things to do in Western Anatolia
- Things to do in Macedonia
- Things to do in Black Sea Coast
- Things to do in Puglia
- Things to do in Adriatic Coast