Archaeological Museum of Rethymnon

The Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is located in the centre of the Old Town of Rethymno and at a close distance to other historical and cultural areas for visitors to explore. The earliest collection of artefacts and exhibits of artistic and historical importance were gathered in 1888, on the initiative of the Greek Educational Association of Rethymno. Until 1990 the museum was accommodated in the Loggia, the most important meeting place at the time. In 1991 it was moved into a pentagonal building that can be seen in front of the Fortezza main gate, where it remained until 2015. Since then it has been temporarily moved to the basilica of St Francis.

The exhibits originate from various locations in the Prefecture of Rethymno and cover the Prehistoric period, as well as the Byzantine era.

The Neolithic (3500-2900 BC) and the Early Minoan (2800-2100 BC) finds, discovered in Melidoni cave mainly consist of pottery and sculpture. Finds discovered in the Minoan villas at Apodoulou and Monastiraki, as well as in the peak sanctuary at Vrisinascan be seen in the section of the museum that is dedicated to the Middle Minoan era (2100-1600 BC). The numerous seals and a clay model of an altar of which only the top part is preserved, are very interesting. Visitors also have the opportunity to see exhibits from the Late Minoan period (1600-1100 BC), the Geometrical era (1000-700 BC), the Archaic years (700-500 BC) and the Classical period (500-300BC). The exhibits from the Hellenistic era and the Roman years are also worth seeing, especially a marble statue of Aphrodite, which is a Roman copy of the famous Hellenistic statue known as Aphrodite of Milos.

The museum also proudly displays a large collection of coins from various periods, which is quite remarkable. Archaeological finds from Ancient Lappa, now called Argyroupoli are also found in the museum. Among these are mosaics depicting hunters and dogs chasing a bear and a deer, as well as several marble statues.

Address: St. Francis Church – 4 Agiou Fragiskou str., Τ.Κ. 74131, Rethymno (Prefecture of Rethymno)

Visiting hours/info
Daily (except Monday): 09:00-16:00
Tel.: +30 28310 54668
Price Ticket(€): 3