Archaeological Museum of Heraklion Thousands of visitors arrive from all over the world to admire the treasures of the Minoar civilization exhibited in the Archaeologica Museum of Heraklion. For many, in fact, it i~ the main purpose of their visit to Heraklion and the archaeological site of Knossos. The Museum was built in 1937-1940 by Sp Marinatos and is located on the northern sidc of Eleftherias Square.
It was erected on the ruins of the Catholic monastery of St. Francis, which was destroyer by an earthquake.
In the museum, you can see findings from al the palaces of the Minoan Period (Knossos Phestos, Malia, etc.). Figurines, vessels from the Neolithic period, wall paintings, coins, sculptures, and other findings decorate the rather Spartan, compared to the treasures they contain, rooms.
There is so much to see and admire that you will want to spend many hours exploring the museum.
It would be a good idea to purchase a detailed guide forthe exhibits at the Museum's entrance, where you can also buy copies of the exhibits and postcards. The exhibition is housed in 20 halls, arranged in chronological order, starting from the Neolithic period and ending in antiquity. In the ceramics hall you will find beautiful motifs with subjects taken from nature and the marine world, the colourful Camaraic style that flourished in the large palaces of Knossos and Phestos, and was named after the cave in Kamares where they were found. Stone vessels, seals in an extraordinary variety
of shapes, miniatures of people, animals and houses made of faience, golden jewellery, sarcophagi, and many more exhibits fill the halls of the Archaeological Museum.
We must mention that among the most impressive exhibits are the unique wall paintings of the Prince, the Crocus-gathering monkey, the Blue women, the Parisienne, the Taurokathapsia (ritual bull fighting), the water bearer, and the Blue birds. There are many exhibits from Hellenistic - Roman times; sculptures, tombstones, sarcophagi, mosaic floors. The famous ring of King Minos is also exhibited in the Museum. It was found at the beginning of the 20th century but was only delivered to the museum in the summer of 2002 by the initial finder's descendants. The museum is open daily, except on National Holidays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Address: I, Xanthoudidou St., Eleftherias Square, tel. +30 2810-226092 and 224630.