Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Leaf through over 5000 years of Cretian history and Europe’s first advanced civilisation – the Minoans – at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. The museum holds an impressive status that warrants a visit and is a great way to understand the island. Explore the 27 different rooms and exhibits inside to learn about everyday life as a Minoan – from colourful murals and frescoes, detailed ceramics and clay pots to their favourite sports and games. You’ll even see something that looks like chess.

Explore the symbols and legends of the Minoan era, including the sacred double axe and the bull’s head. Look out for the museum’s most prominent exhibit too – the Phaistos Disc. Join in to speculate what it’s for. The hieroglyphic carvings and images are a mystery that has yet to be deciphered. Meet the Snake Goddesses statues, the ladies that hold snaked in both hands in traditional costume, as well as a selection of impressive jewellery, in particular the gold bee pendant. It’s a showstopper.

The museum spans from the Neolithic Ages to Roman times, so you’ll see sculptures, coins and inscriptions from Classical to Roman Crete, as well as a series of portraits of Roman emperors. For the full picture of Minoan civilisation, head to the nearby Minoan Knossos Palace.