Historical Museum of Crete, Heraklion (must see)
The Historical Museum of Crete is housed in a neoclassical listed building, the oldest wing of which was originally the mansion of Andreas Lysimachos Kalokerinos. Constructed in 1903 according to plans by architect Konstantinos Tsantirakis, the building has a rich history and architectural significance. The murals within the museum, featuring scenes from the Iliad and Odyssey, were created by Antonios Stefanopoulos, known as the "decorator of the Quellenec House in Athens."
The museum's site had previously been occupied by the Kalokerinos family home, built in 1870 by architect Lysandros Kaftantzoglou. Unfortunately, this earlier structure was destroyed in the tragic events of August 25, 1898, with victims including Lysimachos A. Kalokerinos and other family members.
The museum underwent significant expansion in the 1970s with the addition of a new wing funded by the A. & M. Kalokerinos Foundation. This expansion project seamlessly combined modern and neoclassical architectural elements. In the early 1990s, a further floor was added to the wing, and by May 2004, the museum's facilities were further enhanced with the establishment of Temporary Exhibition Rooms and the Yannis Pertselakis Amphitheatre.
With indoor exhibition space totaling 1500m2, the museum features 25 areas that comprehensively cover seventeen centuries of history. Visitors to the museum can explore its diverse exhibits, which provide insights into the rich historical tapestry of Crete. Additionally, the museum offers a shop and a caf茅, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
The museum's site had previously been occupied by the Kalokerinos family home, built in 1870 by architect Lysandros Kaftantzoglou. Unfortunately, this earlier structure was destroyed in the tragic events of August 25, 1898, with victims including Lysimachos A. Kalokerinos and other family members.
The museum underwent significant expansion in the 1970s with the addition of a new wing funded by the A. & M. Kalokerinos Foundation. This expansion project seamlessly combined modern and neoclassical architectural elements. In the early 1990s, a further floor was added to the wing, and by May 2004, the museum's facilities were further enhanced with the establishment of Temporary Exhibition Rooms and the Yannis Pertselakis Amphitheatre.
With indoor exhibition space totaling 1500m2, the museum features 25 areas that comprehensively cover seventeen centuries of history. Visitors to the museum can explore its diverse exhibits, which provide insights into the rich historical tapestry of Crete. Additionally, the museum offers a shop and a caf茅, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Heraklion. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Historical Museum of Crete on Map
Sight Name: Historical Museum of Crete
Sight Location: Heraklion, Greece (See walking tours in Heraklion)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Heraklion, Greece (See walking tours in Heraklion)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Heraklion, Greece
Create Your Own Walk in Heraklion
Creating your own self-guided walk in Heraklion is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Heraklion Introduction Walking Tour
Heraklion is the vibrant capital of Crete and its primary port. The city traces its roots back to the Minoan era (from 2700 BC to 1450 BC). Under Minoan rule, the area flourished as a vital hub with the nearby palace of Knossos acting as its center of power and trade (in gold, ceramics, and saffron).
Following the Minoans' decline, Crete endured stagnation until the Roman occupation. The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Following the Minoans' decline, Crete endured stagnation until the Roman occupation. The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles