Archeologische en folkloristische collectie van Myrtos

De Archeological and Folklore Collection of Myrtos is housed in a building donated by the Holy Diocese van Ieraptina en Sitia and has been operating since 2001.

One can see exhibits from the Early Minoan period that were discovered during the excavation on the hill of Fournos Koryfi, as well as exhibits from the Minoan mansion on the hill of Pyrgos. Many findings of the collection come from the Roman period from Myrtos. What stands out, however, is the collection of coins from the 3rd century until 1968. Finally, there is a room dedicated to the history of the village, mainly from the Second World War that includes weapons and ammunition exhibits.

The first settlement is an important Proto-Minoan settlement (2800 ? 2200 BC) that was unearthed on the hill of Fournou Korifi, 3,5 kilometer ten oosten van Myrtos. De nederzetting was aanvankelijk klein, maar groeide later. Het bestond uit een veelheid van gebouwen en kamers zonder stedenbouwkundige planning, smalle steegjes ertussen en muren beschilderd met een roodachtige mortel. Negentig van dergelijke kamers werden blootgelegd tijdens de opgravingen. Gezien de gevonden werkplaatsen en opslagplaatsen met belangrijke stukken aardewerk (Koumasa stijl en Vassiliki Ware), evenals bronzen dolken, zegels, weefgewichten enz. Het lijkt erop dat de bewoners een vroege vorm van ambachtelijke industrie hadden ontwikkeld (weven, pottenbakken enz.).

The other settlement brought to light a Neopalatiaal villa on the hill of Pyrgosaan de oostkant van een rivier, tegenover Myrtos.  Its architecture had a palatial quality; it featured a central, surfaced court with a processional walkway and a balcony with a view to the Libyan Sea. It was decorated with frescoes and had an indoor stairway that led to a second or possibly even to a third storey. The workshops and houses of the settlement were arranged around it.

The sites are open to visitors that wish to combine a visit of the museum with an excursion of the nearby area. Those interested in learning more about the Minoan civilization should definitely make a visit to the Archeologisch Museum van Heraklion. Even if you are not a history and culture enthusiast, don’t miss out on the most important and world-famous archaeological sites of Knossos en Phaistos. But of course, there are other places of great archaeological significance and all periods of habitation in Kreta, that can be visited.