Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
Spain
France
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Luxembourg
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Museum · Rethymno, Creta
Museu Arqueológico de Rethymno
The archaeological museum of the Rethymno region, housed in the former Venetian church of São Francisco, with Minoan finds from the Melidoni cave and the Armeni necropolis, a Roman Aphrodite and mosaics from Lappa.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Museu Arqueológico de Rethymno
The Archaeological Museum of Rethymno operates in the church of São Francisco, a 16th-century Venetian temple on Ethnikis Antistaseos Street, in the middle of the old town. The single nave, with a worked stone portal, was adapted to house the collection, which had previously been displayed in the bastion at the entrance of the Fortezza.
The pieces come from sites in the Rethymno region. From the Minoan period there is pottery and figurines from the Melidoni cave and the Armeni necropolis, including painted sarcophagi, seals and a clay model of an altar from the sanctuary on Mount Vrysinas. From the Classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods there are statues, coins, jewelry and a Roman marble copy of the Aphrodite of Milo. From the ancient city of Lappa, today Argyroupoli, come mosaics, including one showing dogs hunting a bear and a deer.
It is a small museum that can be seen in an hour, and it helps connect what you visit in the surroundings, like Eleutherna and Armeni, with what was found there.
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
45 minutes to an hour.
Best time
At midday, as a break from the heat, or on a rainy day. It usually has few visitors. Check the weekly closing day and winter hours before you go.
How to get there
It is located on Ethnikis Antistaseos Street, in the heart of the old town, about a 2-minute walk from the Rimondi fountain, toward Porta Guora.
Tip
Combine it with a visit to the old town, since the church is on the way. If you're going to Eleutherna or Argyroupoli in the surroundings, see the museum first to recognize the sites.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Museu Arqueológico de Rethymno
Where is the Museu Arqueológico de Rethymno?
In the former Venetian church of São Francisco, on rua Ethnikis Antistaseos, in the old town, near the Rimondi fountain. It used to be at the entrance of the Fortezza.
What is in the Museu Arqueológico de Rethymno?
Minoan finds from the cave of Melidoni and the necropolis of Armeni, Greek and Roman statues and coins, a marble Aphrodite and mosaics from the ancient city of Lappa.
Is the museum large?
No. It can be seen in an hour. It's a complement to the walk through the old town and the nearby sites.