Maritime Museum of Crete

Situated in Chania, on the Koundourioti Coast, lies the Maritime Museum of Crete.
It is the magnificent red building that welcomes visitors at the famed Venetian fortress Firkas.

It was established in 1973 with the intention of promoting Crete’s naval heritage. Following the Maritime Museum in Piraeus, it is the second oldest and most comprehensive museum of its sort in Greece.

There are 2,500 items in the Maritime Museum of Crete’s permanent display. It contains heirlooms, items excavated from the ocean floor, paintings, maps, photos, ship models, various nautical instruments, etc.

The exhibits are divided into sections and arranged chronologically from the Bronze Age to the present.
Additionally, there is a unique marine environment exhibition featuring an extensive collection of shells from around the globe.

In 2004, the Minoan ship “Minoa” made its maiden voyage from Chania to Piraeus, escorting the Olympic flame that was carried from the Athenian Trireme during the last portion of the route, as well as sailing and celebrations of the Nautical Week.

Don’t forget to see this representation of the ship of the 16th-15th century BC, in Neoria Moro of the Venetian Port.

It is worthwhile to explore the Firkas Fortress region when visiting the Maritime Museum, as this is where the flag raising ceremony for the union of Crete with Greece took place on December 1, 1913.