Heraklion – Archaeological Museum
A visit to the archaeological museum in Heraklion should not be missed during a vacation on the Greek island of Crete or a study trip. Here you will find the most important collection of antiquity after the Athens National Museum. The museum was renovated for seven years, and since May 2014, impressive, old collections have been on view again in the most modern and air-conditioned rooms. All items are labeled in English.
Is it worth visiting the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion?
Any traveler interested in history cannot miss this museum. The items presented here are absolutely worth seeing. In fact, it is hardly possible to discover everything in a single visit.
What time do the exhibits come from?
The Minoan culture is brought closer to the visitor here. The Bronze Age culture of Crete is named after King Minos. The time of the Minoans was the time of the first high civilization in Europe. The ancient objects found during excavations date from the 7th millennium BC to the 4th century AD. Bronzes, ceramics, jewelry, small art, amphorae and beautiful wall paintings can be seen among other things. The most famous exhibit is a disc, which is said to be the Phaistos Disc.
Ideal in connection with the Palace of Knossos.
Knossos is the main palace on Crete and it is highly recommended to visit this Minoan palace as well. The palace with its numerous halls has been awarded the European Heritage Seal.
It is cheap to buy the multi-day combination ticket for the museum and the palace of Knossos. These attractions are open daily.
Museum of the Basil and Elise Goulandris Foundation
The new museum of the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation will receive the public in Greece’s capital Athens on October 2nd, 2019 with a comprehensive program of cultural events and workshops. The opening of the new museum coincides with the start of the monthly program of events. Concerts, theater productions, discussions, activities for children and adults and workshops on education complement the philosophy of the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation in a series of innovative events that blend harmoniously with the museum style.
Division and offers
The impressive building at 13 Eratosthenous Street, just a few meters from the Kallimarmaro Stadium, houses the art collection of the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation and also offers temporary exhibitions by Greek and foreign artists. In addition to the exhibition rooms, the museum – with a total area of 7,250 m2 on 11 floors – also houses a shop and restaurant, an art library, a children’s workshop and a modern amphitheater with 190 seats. The premises of the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation are ideal for holding events. Interested parties can host small and large events, conferences, company presentations, social events, seminars, workshops and film screenings.
Van Gogh, Picasso and other masterpieces
On the first two floors, 180 paintings, sculptures and other works of art await visitors to the museum. The collection of Basil and Elise Goulandris contains a wide variety of works from the period between 1880 and 1980. You can admire works by El Greco, Cézanne, van Gogh, Gaugin, Monet, Degas, Picasso and Toulouse-Lautrac.
Offers accompanying the exhibition
In order to deepen the art experience, the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation offers guided tours through the collection as well as presentations of short documentations on individual works of art within the collection. The demonstrations produced by the foundation are available with the purchase of the admission ticket at no extra charge. Children and young people in particular are welcomed to the foundation’s educational programs every weekend. You will be given the opportunity to participate in creative workshops and activities inspired by art.
The museum’s shop is located on the ground floor next to the reception area and contains a variety of exclusive and original custom-made items, including utility and art objects designed by Greek artists and inspired by the rare art collection of the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation.
Epidaurus Theater
Some holidaymakers on the Peloponnese peninsula already know the theater of Epidauros and still come back because they were so fascinated by it. You should have seen this well-preserved theater at least once if you are touring this part of Greece. The Epidaurus Theater is located about 65 kilometers from Athens and it is the largest and most impressive theater in Greece.
The acoustics are unique.
Up to the last of the 55 semicircular rows of seats you can understand if someone is speaking downstairs, dropping a coin, etc. Visitors repeatedly try their hand at singing. The stunning acoustics will be remembered by everyone and that is what the amphitheater is known and famous for all over the world. A great view can be enjoyed from the top rows of seats.
This imposing, ancient complex, built in the 4th century BC, is well preserved. The entire site has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.
Used as a theater in the summer months.
The Epidaurus Theater is used in July and August for the “Greek Festival” music festival. Those who manage to get tickets for it speak of a breathtaking atmosphere at the evening theater performance.
God Asclepius
Not only is the amphitheater worth seeing and interesting, the associated Asklepios Museum is also worth a visit. The complex was known as the sanctuary of the god Asclepius. Asklepios was the Greek god of healing and in ancient times many people traveled from far and wide to experience healing. The bronze medical tools and devices on display show how advanced medicine was in Greece back then. There are many interesting exhibits, statues, etc. to visit and immerse the visitor in life 2,000 years ago.
Best time to visit
If possible, a visit should take place early in the morning. It is not as hot as during the day and it is also possible to avoid the onslaught of visitors from all over the world. You can enjoy the shade in the surrounding orange groves and pine forests.
