The Temporary Exhibition of the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno

The Museum is housed in the church of Agios Frangiskos (St. Francis) and is in a transitional phase until the construction of the new Archaeological Museum, which will present the continuous history of the place from the antiquity to the recent times. The museum contains the following collections: 

• Late Neolithic and Early Minoan finds from the caves Gerani, Melidoni, Margeles and Helenes
• finds from the buildings at Apodoulou, Monastiraki and the peak sanctuary at Vrysinas, dated to the Middle Minoan period 
• Late Minoan finds from the cemeteries, the most representative being that of Armenoi
• finds of the Geometric and Archaic periods from Eleutherna and Axos
• finds from Stavromenos and Argyroupolis (ancient Lappa) dated to the Classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods.

 Paleontological Museum

The temple of Mastabas, with the characteristic 9-dome architecture, is an authentic monument of Rethymno and has been conceded to GNHM following a decision of the Ministry of Culture. Upen completion of restoration and of the relevant museological study, it will operate as a Museum of Palaeontology, being annex of the Goulandris National History museum in Crete. The paleontological collection of the Municipality of Rethymno, which is the basis of the exhibited material, has already been conceded to GNHM. Original findings of endemic mammals in real-size representations and in anatomic arrangement shall accompany the exhibition. Visitors shall get to know the dwarf Cretan elephants, dwarf hippopotamuses, and polymorphous Cretan deers, and they will find information on these animals, the first inhabitants of Crete, and on Greek mythology.

 The Venetian Loggia

Loggia has been built during the 16th century and was designed by the famous architect Michel Snamicheli. Loggia was an eminent building of the city centre and has been a meeting point for the nobles to discuss political and economical issues. The building is very well preserved; it is square and has arches on it's three sides (besides it's west side). The consoles of it's eaves are spectacular. During the Turkish occupation the loggia became a mosque and a minaret was constructed which was later demolished in 1930. The past 40 decades the building of Loggia hosted the archeological museum of the city, which has now moved to a building next to Fortezza. Today loggia hosts a market of archeological art copies.

The Historical and Folklore Museum of Rethymno

The Historical and Folklore Museum of Rethymno is housed in a 17th century Venetian mansion. The museum is hosted in an ideal environment for the exhibition of collections and the historical building of the mansion is constantly restored and preserved. The exhibition spaces (Permanent collection) cover (5) five halls and present items of traditional handicraft work and folklore art. The Historical and Folklore Museum of Rethymno aims to become a contemporary research and educational center for the preservation of the Cretan Folklore culture in cooperation with international organizations and institutions.

Retymno Military Museum of Chromonastiri

This place is located at the central square of the picturesque traditional village of the same name, 10 kilometers outside of Rethymno town and operates since 2010. The museum is hosted in the renowned Villa Claudio, an impressive mansion of Venetian architecture that dates from the 17th century and belonged to the homonymous noble family, while it was restored in recent years. The building was granted by the locals to the Greek Army in 1997 and is home to military and war-related exhibits that cover a wide chronological range. The items include weapons, uniforms, medals, and military equipment from the Venetian era, the Hellenic Revolution of 1821, the Macedonian Liberation Wars, the World War II etc. while there is also rich photographic material related to the evolution and presence of the Greek military forces to this day. On the outer space, visitors can also admire warplanes and military vehicles while there are frequent periodic exhibitions.

Wild Nature Park 

Outdoor attraction featuring a vegetable garden & tropical creatures such as iguanas & turtles. The Biotopoi, is not an animal Park, neither a botanical garden, it's for naturlovers a little paradies with some interesting informations about Crete. Οur Team is guiding you through Crete's wild Flora & Fauna, so you can experience the diversity and it's different Echosystems for ca.50min... After the tour you can walk around on your own to enjoy the Environment. During rain, the Park is closed! 

Sfentoni Cave 

It is one of the three caves of Crete that are open to the public and the largest of them. Stalactites and Stalagmites in different color spectrums (white, dark red, grey, depending on the rock that forms them) sometimes unite and create naturally artistic pillars and sometimes they wait patiently for thousands, even millions of years to pass until they meet each other. Rocky sculptures shine magically under the light of the spotlights and according to science this is because they, contain calcium carbonate crystals. According to science fiction though, this happens because fairies sprinkle them with glitter.

Canyon Mili Gorge

Long canyon with a trail taking in old mills, rock pools, quaint chapels & a long-standing tavern. It's very green and full of vegetation stretches along the river bed, which leads water all year round. Two creeks and several smaller sources combined here sufficiently large volumes of water in past times to drive the mills with great power. Along the untire riverbed of the Mili gorge lie the ruins of the mills and the abandoned since 1972 villages Pano Mili and Kato Mili.

Rethymnon Municipal Garden

If you’re looking for a peaceful and beautiful spot to spend some time in Rethymno, the Municipal Garden is a must-visit destination. This gorgeous public park is located in the heart of the city, surrounded by shops, cafes, and historic buildings, making it an excellent place to relax and take in the sights. The Municipal Garden is a relatively new addition to Rethymno, having been established in 1986. However, it quickly became a favorite spot for both locals and tourists alike.

  

The Rimondi Fountain in the heart of the old town of Rethymnon has offered fresh water to passers-by for centuries. 

It's small but elegantly classical structure stands at Petichaki square, in the heart of the old town of Rethymno, close to Loggia. This is the Rimondi fountain built in 1626 during the Venetian rule. Named after the Venetian governor of the period, A. Rimondi, it continually threw water from three springs that had the form of lion heads and provided an important water source for the inhabitants of the Old Town. Around the springs, there were ancient Greek columns with elegant endings on top. Between the columns, the two preserved tablets real Liberaliatis and Fonte. A Venetian coat of arms has been installed on top of the lion heads, in the middle of the fountain. Close to the Fountain, there are open cafeterias and other Venetian monuments.

 Catholic Church St. Anthony of Padua

The Catholic church of St. Anthony of Padua can be found in the old town of Rethymno, behind the old Venetian port. Serves a small community of Catholics who still live in Crete island. Despite many Venetian churches were turned into mosques, Catholics built smaller chapels and continued to practice their faith.

Porta Guora (Megali Porta)

The current state is only a substitute for the former central gate of the city.  Only the entrance opening, slightly over 2.5 meters wide, and a small part of the adjacent wall have survived to our times.  This building is not a stunning attraction and probably a large part of tourists passing along Ethnikis Antistaseos Street do not even realize that passing under this inconspicuous stone arch they are crossing the former city walls.  Megali Porta in literal translation means a great door, and the second name comes from the name of the rector Jocopo Guoro reigning in the years when it was built.

Arkadi Monastery

The Arkadi Monastery is an Eastern Orthodox monastery, situated on the southeast of Rethymnon on the island of Crete in Greece. The monastery became a national sanctuary in honor of the Cretan resitance. The monastery played an active role in the Cretan resistance of Ottoman rule during the Cretan revolt of 1866. 943 Greeks, mostly women and children, sought refuge in the monastery. After three days of battle and under orders from the hequmen of the monastery, the Cretans blew up barrels of gunpowder, choosing to sacrifice themselves rather than surrender.

Venetian Fortezza Castle 

The Fortezza is built on a hill called Palekastro, which was the site of ancient Rhiymnas's acropolis. The Fortezza is the citadel of the city of Rethymno in Crete, Greece. It was built by the Venetians in the 16th century, and was captured by the Ottomans in 1646. By the early 20th century, many houses were built within the citadel. These were demolished after World War II, leaving only a few historic buildings within the Fortezza. Today, the citadel is in good condition and is open to the public. You can reach the Fortezza either through the alleys of Rethymnon old town, or, more easily, by following the coast road that starts from behind the old Venetian harbour. Follow the coast road, passing tavernas and cafes, for about 200-300 yards until you reach the small car park on your left, at the foot of the steps leading up to the fortress. You can't miss the Fortezza looming right above you.

The Ibrahim Han Mosque in Rethymno Crete

The Ibrahim Han Mosque is places in the middle of the Venetian Fortezza. The mosque is found next to the Rector's residence and was oryginally a Venetian cathedral dedicated to Saint Nicholas, build in 1580. However, when Rethymno was occupied by the Turks, in 1646, it was converted into an Ottoman mosque by the Sultan Ibrahim Han and took his name. The building itself is very well-constructed. It is solid square construction with an impressive dome of 11m diameter. It has a prayer niche inside, settled in the center of the south-eastern wall, facing Mecca, the Muslim's holy town. It also has the base of a minaret on its west side, which is the only preserved part of this structure since the minaret itself hasn't survived centuries. A small chapel is build next to the mosque dedicated to Agios Theodoros Trichinas and was inaugurated in 1899. Unfortunately, the mosque is today closed to the public and opens only to host some musical exhibitions. However, it is still worth a visit, just to admire it's architecture and to glimpse the interior through a window.

Neratze Mosque

The Neratze Mosque is located in the center of the Old Town of Rethymno. The mosque was originally constructed as a church by the Venetians dedicated to Santa Maria and it was later turned to a monastery. When Crete fell to the Turks, Gazi Hussein Pasha converted it into a mosque in 1657. And when the island got free from Turkish rule, the mosque was turned back into a church dedicated to Agios Nikolaos. Today the Neratze Mosque serves as the Municipal music conservatory or Odeon of Rethymno with numerous musical performances held at its premises.

Visit the Venetian Port and walk along the harbor wall to the Venetian lighthouse.

The port was originally built in the 14th century by the Venetians for trade and commerce. The iconic Lighthouse was added, also by the Venetians, in the 16^th century. The port is surrounded by Venetian buildings and local fisherman are still using this harbor today to bring in their daily catch, which adds to the charm and the authenticity of the area. It is possible to climb up the lighthouse and get stunning views all over the old town and the sea.