Museum in Rethymno and Ancient Monuments

Captivating Museum in Rethymno

Rethymnon Fortezza (Fortress) – This Venetian fortress is one of the most prominent landmarks in the city. It was built in the 16th century to protect the town from pirates and invaders. It offers fantastic views over the town and the sea, as well as a glimpse into the past with its well-preserved walls and gates.

Location

The Archaeological Museum of Rethymnon – While not an ancient monument itself, this museum houses many important artifacts from ancient Rethymnon and the surrounding area, including pottery, sculptures, and coins from various eras. It’s a great way to get a deeper understanding of the region’s history.

The Ancient Eleutherna – Located just outside Rethymnon, this ancient city was founded in the 8th century BC. The archaeological site includes ruins from various periods, including the Hellenistic and Roman eras. The excavations have revealed an impressive city with temples, houses, and even a cemetery.

The Venetian Loggia – A beautiful example of Venetian architecture in the heart of Rethymnon’s Old Town, this building dates back to the 16th century and was originally a meeting place for Venetian nobles. It’s now part of the Archaeological Museum, and its elegant columns and arches are a must-see.

The Rimondi Fountain – Located in the Old Town of Rethymnon, this Renaissance-style fountain was built in the 16th century and is a wonderful example of Venetian influence on the island. The fountain is surrounded by beautiful stonework and is a lovely spot to pause and admire.

Museum of Contemporary Art – Rethymnon (Municipal Gallery)
If you’re a fan of modern art, this museum is for you. Located in the heart of the Old Town, it showcases a variety of works from Greek and international artists, with a particular focus on Cretan artists. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, and photography, offering a modern counterpoint to the ancient artifacts in other local museums.

Historical and Folk Art Museum of Rethymnon
This museum is located in a charming Venetian building and offers a deep dive into Cretan folk traditions, history, and culture. You’ll find a variety of exhibits on traditional costumes, tools, textiles, and art, as well as displays about the island’s customs and everyday life over the centuries. It’s a great place to get a feel for Cretan heritage.

The Olive Oil Museum of Armeni is a fascinating place to visit if you’re interested in the history and tradition of olive oil production in Crete. Located in the village of Armeni, just a short drive from Rethymnon, the museum offers an insight into the olive oil production process, which has been a central part of Cretan life for thousands of years.

Paleontological Museum

Housed in the restored Veli Pasha Mosque, this museum is a branch of the Goulandris Natural History Museum. It presents the geological history of Crete over the past 300 million years, featuring fossils of invertebrates, endemic mammals like dwarf elephants and deer, and information on the island’s evolutionary process.

Ecclesiastical Museum

Located opposite the Cathedral in Rethymno, this museum exhibits valuable ecclesiastical artifacts, including carved screens, ornaments, vestments, icons, and manuscripts. Notable items include an old clock, a lithographic print by A. Vevelakis, and an 1816 relief plate depicting a two-headed eagle.

Wax Museum 

The Wax Museum of Zoniana (also known as the Potamianos Wax Museum) is located in the village of Zoniana, near Rethymno, Crete. It is the only wax museum in Crete and features lifelike wax figures representing key moments in Greek history, particularly Cretan history.

What to Expect

Over 80 life-sized wax figures depicting historical events from ancient times to the modern era.

Scenes from Minoan civilization, the Byzantine era, the Ottoman occupation, and the Greek War of Independence.

Figures of famous historical figures like El Greco, Eleftherios Venizelos, and Nikos Kazantzakis.

A focus on Cretan culture, including traditional dress and significant historical battles.

The museum was created by Dimitris Potamianos, who handcrafted the figures with great attention to detail. It’s a great place to visit if you’re interested in Cretan and Greek history in a visually immersive way.