Archaeological Museum of Messara

About the museum

The founding of an archaeological museum dedicated solely to the antiquities of the Messara had for decades been a demand of local residents and excavators. The new museum stands at the western edge of the listed archaeological site of Gortyn, in the Ampelouzos area. Its aim is to highlight the distinctive character of the region from prehistory to the Middle Ages and to serve as the hub linking the numerous archaeological sites and monuments of the Messara.

The museum occupies a 30-stremmata plot with a total floor area of 2,900 m² and includes about 900 m² of main exhibition space, an inner courtyard, a hall for events and screenings, a room for temporary exhibitions, conservation workshops, a museum shop and a refreshment kiosk. The permanent exhibition opened to the public on 22 April 2023.

The exhibition, titled “Amid the Mountains. Human Presence in the Messara Plain from Prehistoric to Christian Times”, examines how the particular morphology of the landscape influenced the development of material and intangible culture. Projections and interactive digital applications complement the presentation of the finds.

Highlights

• The permanent exhibition “Amid the Mountains” on the Messara from prehistory to Christian times
• Projections and interactive digital applications
• Location next to the Gortyn archaeological site
• Modern building with refreshment kiosk and museum shop

Permanent exhibition

• Εν μέσω ορέων: η ανθρώπινη παρουσία στην πεδιάδα της Μεσαράς – The permanent exhibition traces the course of the Messara from prehistoric to Christian times, with projections and interactive digital applications.

Founded

2023

Operated by

Υπουργείο Πολιτισμού – Εφορεία Αρχαιοτήτων Ηρακλείου

Admission & discounts

Free admission: 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, the last weekend of September, 28 October, and the first and third Sunday of each month from 1 November to 31 March.

Certain categories of visitors are entitled to free admission or a reduced ticket, in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Culture.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum has a ramp, a lift and Braille signage.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum is located on the Heraklion–Moires–Tympaki road, at the western edge of the Gortyn archaeological site.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The museum has a refreshment kiosk with an outdoor area and a museum shop; there is a car park.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit