Museum of Ancient Eleutherna

This museum displays finds from nearby excavation sites, including pottery, sculptures, inscriptions, and everyday objects from ancient Crete. The collection spans three exhibition rooms enhanced by digital displays, with a direct connection to the adjacent archaeological park.

The site was inhabited for thousands of years, showing traces from prehistoric times through the Byzantine period. Opening this museum in 2016 made it possible to tell the complete story of these different eras in one place.

The name comes from the Greek word for freedom, reflecting the historical importance of the ancient settlement. You can see how this meaning still shapes the way people view and present the place today.

The museum sits about 25 kilometers (16 miles) southeast of Rethymno and is easy to reach with direct access to the archaeological site next door. Plan time to explore both the indoor exhibition and the outdoor remains, especially if you visit on a warm day.

One of the most notable collections shows items from an ancient cemetery, including the sculpture known as the Lady of Eleutherna and bronze shields. These finds offer rare insights into how people were buried and the wealth of the community at that time.