Historical Museum of Crete, Heraklion (must see)

The Historical Museum of Crete is housed in a neoclassical listed building, the oldest wing of which was originally the mansion of Andreas Lysimachos Kalokerinos. Constructed in 1903 according to plans by architect Konstantinos Tsantirakis, the building has a rich history and architectural significance. The murals within the museum, featuring scenes from the Iliad and Odyssey, were created by Antonios Stefanopoulos, known as the "decorator of the Quellenec House in Athens."

The museum's site had previously been occupied by the Kalokerinos family home, built in 1870 by architect Lysandros Kaftantzoglou. Unfortunately, this earlier structure was destroyed in the tragic events of August 25, 1898, with victims including Lysimachos A. Kalokerinos and other family members.

The museum underwent significant expansion in the 1970s with the addition of a new wing funded by the A. & M. Kalokerinos Foundation. This expansion project seamlessly combined modern and neoclassical architectural elements. In the early 1990s, a further floor was added to the wing, and by May 2004, the museum's facilities were further enhanced with the establishment of Temporary Exhibition Rooms and the Yannis Pertselakis Amphitheatre.

With indoor exhibition space totaling 1500m2, the museum features 25 areas that comprehensively cover seventeen centuries of history. Visitors to the museum can explore its diverse exhibits, which provide insights into the rich historical tapestry of Crete. Additionally, the museum offers a shop and a café, enhancing the overall visitor experience.