Page 258 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Greek Islands

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IRÁKLIO

ARCHAEOLOGICAL

EXPERIENCE Crete MUSEUM

ΑΡΧΑΙΟΛΟΓΙΚΟ ΜΟΥΣΕΙΟ ΗΡΑΚΛΕΙΟΥ

⌂ Corner of Xanthoudídi & Mpofór, Plateía Eleftherías, Iráklio # May–Oct: 8am–8pm
daily; Nov–Apr: 10am–4pm Mon, 10am–5pm Tue–Sun ∑ heraklionmuseum.gr
The Iráklio Archaeological Museum houses the world’s most important collection of
Minoan artifacts, giving a unique insight into a highly sophisticated civilization that
existed on Crete over 3,000 years ago. The vast museum contains discoveries from
all over the island, including the famous Phaistos Disc (p265).

The museum was refurbished in 2014 and
now has state-of-the-art interactive exhibits.
Its 27 galleries house archaeological treasures
including well-preserved Minoan frescoes
from Knosos (p260), finely carved stone
vessels, jewellery, Minoan double axes and
other artifacts The Minoan double axe was
an extremely powerful sacred symbol thought
to have been a cult object connected with the
Mother Goddess. Evidence of the importance of
the axe for the Minoans is clear from the many
vases, larnakes (clay coffins), seals, frescoes and The exterior of the museum, designed
pillars on display that feature the axe. in 1937 and completed in 1952

The sculpture rooms on
the ground floor, displaying
Greek and Roman influences

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