Lassithi Archaeological Museum

Location: Agios Nikolaos
Don't miss: Museums guide (free admission dates and other useful info)

The Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos was established in 1970 to host the findings from various excavations in Lassithi that up until then were hosted in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. The museum is located in the center of Agios Nikolaos, close to the port and Lake Voulismeni, and its exhibits cover 3,000 years of Cretan civilization.

The foundation of a museum in Agios Nikolas was first decided in 1960, with construction beginning in 1963, the project being helmed by architect Patroklos Karantinos. By 1969 the museum would open its doors to the public as a small provincial museum under the Ephorate of Antiquities Heraklion. In 1973, the expansion and upgrading of the building was undertaken, to allow for more exhibition and storage space.

Today the exhibition covers an extensive period of time, from the Neolithic Age to the end of the Greco-Roman period. A walk through the exhibit will take visitors on a trip through time, observing the evolution of art and culture in the area through emblematic samples of various rhythms and eras. Findings are showcased in chronological order and include tools and knives from an early Minoan cemetery with 300 tombs in Agia Fotia, a libation vase in the form of a female figurine from the settlement of Myrtos, an early Minoan golden diadem with a relief decoration presenting three goats and many Archaic and Roman antiquities including vases, clay figurines, jewelry, weaponry, tools, and other valuable material.

The museum welcomes guests every day except for Tuesdays, from 8:30 to 15:30.