Eleutherna Archaeological Museum, Rethymno (2024) - Images, Timings

Eleutherna Archaeological Museum, Rethymno Overview

Eleutherna Archaeological Museum is a modern museum located onsite Eleutherna Archaeological site. It showcases collection of artifacts discovered over three decades of excavations at Eleutherna. These excavations have uncovered a plethora of insights into ancient Greek daily life, making the museum a key site for understanding Crete’s Homeric past.

After visiting the museum, visitors can explore the archaeological site of Eleutherna, where they can see the remains of houses, public buildings, baths, and the necropolis. The site offers a vivid glimpse into the ancient city’s infrastructure and daily life.

How to Reach

The Eleutherna Archaeological Museum is easily accessible by car from Rethymno. The drive takes about 30 minutes, following well-marked roads that lead to the museum and the archaeological site.

Highlights of the Museum

Some of the key highlights include:
Bronze Shield: The centerpiece of the museum is an 8th-century BC bronze shield with a protruding lion's head, unearthed from the Tomb of the Warriors. A polished replica is displayed alongside it, offering a glimpse of its original splendor.
Ceramic Vases and Ornaments: Exquisite ceramic vases and ornaments, detailed gold pendants, and marble statuettes, many retaining their original colors, illustrate the high level of artisanship.
Necropolis Artifacts: The necropolis of Orthi Petra has revealed tombs laden with gold, silver, copper, and glass bead jewelry, as well as weapons and tools, reflecting the burial customs depicted in Homer’s "Iliad".