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Museum · Chania, Creta
Museu Marítimo de Creta
The maritime museum in the Venetian fortress Firkas, at the western entrance of the port, with ship models, navigation instruments and the story of the Battle of Crete; on the other side of the port, the replica of a Minoan ship.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Museu Marítimo de Creta
The Maritime Museum of Crete occupies the entrance of the fortress Firkas, built by the Venetians in 1620 to protect the west side of the port. It was there that, in 1913, the Greek flag was raised for the first time in Crete, marking the union of the island with Greece. The museum was founded in 1973 and tells the story of the sea in Crete, from the Minoan era to the modern Hellenic Navy.
The lower floor brings together models of ancient and Venetian ships, maps, navigation instruments, shells and a model of Chania in the 17th century. The upper floor is dedicated to the Battle of Crete, in 1941, when German paratroopers took the island, with photos, uniforms and items recovered from the sea, as well as models of modern Hellenic Navy ships.
From the fortress courtyard you get the most open view of the port, with the lighthouse in front. On the opposite side of the port, in the Venetian shipyards (neoria), the museum preserves the replica of a 17-metre Minoan ship, built between 2001 and 2004 using period techniques and that sailed to Pireu.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 45 minutes to an hour and a half; plus 20 minutes for the replica of the Minoan ship.
Best time
In the morning, before walking around the port, or at the end of the day, before sunset, which is well seen from the fortress. Check winter opening hours, which are shorter.
How to get there
It's at the west entrance of the Venetian harbour, at the end of the quay, about a 5-minute walk from the Janissary mosque. The replica of the Minoan ship is in the shipyards on the east side, a 10-minute walk along the quay.
Tip
Go up to the fortress courtyard for the harbour photo with the lighthouse in front, even if you don't enter the museum. The replica of the Minoan ship has its own opening times; check at the ticket office.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Museu Marítimo de Creta
What is the Firkas fortress?
A Venetian fortress from 1620 at the western entrance to Chania harbour. In 1913 the Greek flag was raised there for the first time in Crete. Today it houses the Maritime Museum.
Where is the Minoan ship of Chania?
In the Venetian shipyards on the east side of the harbour, maintained by the Maritime Museum. It is a 17‑metre replica built between 2001 and 2004.
Does the museum talk about the Battle of Crete?
Yes. The upper floor is dedicated to the German invasion of 1941, with photos, uniforms and objects recovered from the sea.