Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum of Aghios Nikolaos is one of the most important in Crete, and has been in operation since 1969. It houses collections of very important archaeological finds from the whole of Eastern Crete, an area extending from Malia as far as Zakros. These are displayed in chronological order from the Neolithic period (5700- 2800 B.C.) to the end of Roman times (100B.C.-400A.D.). Its showcases are decorated with more than 1500 vases from the third millennium B.C., and copper finds (the most ancient found in Crete).

Folklore Museum of Aghios Nikolaos

A window onto the recent past of Crete opens up for the visitor at the Folklore Museum of Aghios Nikolaos.
Established in 1985 by the Cultural Association of Eastern Crete, it is housed on the ground floor of the Port Authority building, one of the oldest buildings in town, which is located by the lake.

There are many displays of traditional Cretan handcrafts, unique to the region such as textiles, woven goods and embroidery of intricate detail and imaginative designs. A model of a traditional Cretan house, equipped with household goods and cooking implements has also been set up here. Books, manuscripts, old photographs, paintings, weapons, coins, multi-coloured woven rugs and examples of traditional Cretan costumes complete the collection.

These items have been donated to the Folklore Museum in recognition of the valuable role it plays in the preservation and display of the rich traditional heritage of everyday life in Crete.

«IRIS» Museum

A protected neoclassical building from the end of the 19th century, which at that time was the home of merchants of ";comestible"; vegetative products from the region of Mirambello, houses the Museum IRIS.

The people of Crete, with great awe and respect of the vegetative world that surrounded them, observed it, experimented with it, discovered its secret and utilized it for curing diseases, for decoration, for the dyeing of textiles, for the construction of useful objects and a source of inspiration in art. Besides plants played always an important role in all major event of life: birth, marriage, death and festivals, thus giving a way out for their metaphysical queries and aesthetic needs.

Welcome to this marvelous journey to the colors of Crete, its scents and its tastes.

SOURCE : Municipality of Aghios Nikolaos