Why You Should Visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

Guide to Visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion: Tips and insider’s information to plan a visit to Heraklion Archaeological Museum, tickets, opening hours, combined tours and more.

If you love history or art or are just curious about the past, there’s a place in Crete that you shouldn’t miss. And it’s not the Palace of Knossos, not this time. It’s the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. Why not combine a morning tour of Knossos with an afternoon at the Museum? Your day will be truly unforgettable.

Why to Visit Heraklio’s Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is Crete’s most important archaeological museum and one of the most remarkable museums in Europe. It was built on the site of a Venetian-Franciscan friary that was destroyed in an earthquake in 1865.

The museum covers over 5,500 years of Crete’s history, from the Neolithic period (7000 BC) to the Roman period (200 AD). Most objects belong to prehistoric times and the Minoan era, a period named after the mythological King Minos.

Impressive pottery pieces, fantastic jewelry, seals, sculptures, and metal objects are arrayed following a logical narrative that guides visitors through the collections’ different themes.

Therefore, you will find exhibits related to trade and others dedicated to death, religion, or even settlements. Twenty-seven galleries on two floors full of impressive beauty.

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The Exhibition at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

These are a few of the things you should not miss when paying a visit to the museum.

Ground Floor

On the ground floor, the museum presents the prevalence of Minoan Civilization in the Aegean Sea. Its clay pots and other ceramics are stunningly detailed. They range from miniature vases to huge pithoi (the typical Cretan large containers used to store olive oil, wine, and grain in bulk).

There are incredible amounts of labrys (the symmetrical double-bitted ax), one of the oldest symbols of Greek civilization, associated explicitly with female divinities. Some of the most beautiful ones are even taller than a person.

Researchers believe those enormous axes could have been used during religious ceremonies and sacrifices.

PHAISTOS DISC

Another critical element visitors will appreciate is the famous Phaistos Disc, found in the Minoan Palace of Phaistos (Faistos or Festos), a few kilometers south of Heraklion.

This clay disc, about 15 cm in diameter (smaller than I expected but still captivating), has on both sides a spiral of stamped symbols of unclear meaning—symbols that make it one of the best-known mysteries of archaeology. Even with such an obscure symbolism, many have concluded that symbols might represent an alphabet or a syllabary.

MINOAN JEWELRY

Other magnificent elements worth admiring are the pieces of Minoan jewelry, so rich, detailed, and precise that you’ll quickly think you are in a fancy boutique more than a museum.

Egyptian artisans probably influenced Minoan skills, but the craft on the island evolved to become an extremely refined art.

Several techniques allowed Minoans to transform gold, silver, bronze, and semi-precious stones into a fantastic array of designs.

KAMARES VESSELS

Stunning is also the collection of famous Kamares Vessels, objects decorated with vibrant colors and representations of nature. Traditionally, these vases and jars have been interpreted as prestige artifacts that may have been used as elite tableware.

Examples include cups, jars, and large storage jars (pithoi), combining stylized plant and marine motifs painted in white, red, orange, and yellow on black.

The Kamares style featured complex patterns with eggshell thinness. Some objects could have been used in rituals, but it’s mostly widely believed that they were prestigious dining sets in the palaces.

THE ZATRIKON (DRAUGHTBOARD)

The surface was made of inlaid elements of ivory, blue glass paste, and rock crystal, set into a rectangular base that could have been made of wood (it was not preserved). This particularly complex and luxurious artifact makes you think about how advanced the Minoan civilization was and how skilled the palace’s workshops were.

Four conical ivory objects were found only meters from this board, which made archaeologists think of gaming pieces since they perfectly matched the four large circles on the board. Sir Arthur Evans said this was probably a strategy board game for two participants.

Our kids saw a replica of this board in the Labyrinth Theme Park and got a closer look at it. The board is also known as the Zatrikion and Knossos Board Game.

THE SNAKE GODDESS

Of the several pieces to be discovered during a visit, the Minoan Snake Goddesses deserve a few words. Snakes are typically associated with the renewal of life.

On the other hand, different studies also suggest that in Minoan society, snakes were the protectors of the household. Another important detail on the little statues is the knot between their breasts, which many consider a symbol of holiness.

First Floor

The first floor welcomes visitors with amazing Minoan frescoes and mosaics. The “Hall of the Frescoes” represents the Minoans’ love for nature and vibrant colors.

Compared to the explosive reds visitors will see in Knossos, the museum’s frescoes are a more faithful snapshot of the palace.

Other than that, the central theme of the galleries on this floor is the evolution of the city-state from the Iron Age through the Roman era, a critical historical moment on the island, often overshadowed by the splendor left by the Minoan civilization.

The Museum of Heraklion for Kids

We visited the museum on a very hot summer morning. I would’ve imagined that my kids would prefer to be on a beach instead, but I was wrong.

I’m sure their previous visit to Knossos had already ignited their curiosity. Honestly, they are very much into everything related to Ancient Civilizations. Still, summer and museums do not always match, or do not match, for everyone.

However, they took hundreds of pictures of bulls and axes and were impressed by the spectacular wooden reproduction of the Knossos Palace.

Moreover, there is a lovely entertainment area right before reaching the stairs, where kids can rest, play, and discover the ancient symbols of the Minoan era. When in Crete… don’t miss it!

>> You can also read about Crete’s Archaeological Sites.

About the Museum

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Guide to the Visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, Crete

Gabi, the Crete Insider

Hi, I’m Gabi — your go-to local expert in Crete! I’ve been living in Chania, Crete since 2016, and I’ve turned my love for the island into a full-time passion — guiding travelers, writing for travel media, and curating local experiences.

I co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete and other guides. I run the blogs The Tiny Book, Greece Planner, and My Cretan Recipe. Through this platform I help travelers design unforgettable trips to Crete.

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