The Historical Museum of Crete, located in the heart of Heraklion, is one of the island’s most important cultural institutions. Founded in 1953 by the Society of Cretan Historical Studies, it showcases the history of Crete from early Christian times up to the 20th century.
Housed in a neoclassical building, the museum features rare artifacts, icons, coins, traditional costumes, furniture, manuscripts, and exhibitions related to the Battle of Crete and the German occupation. A highlight of the museum is the permanent display of two original works by El Greco (Dominikos Theotokopoulos).