The Ierapetra Archaeological Museum is located in Lassithi, Crete. The Ierapetra Archaeological Museum has a small but impressive collection of antiquities on display. The exhibits are housed in a historical building in the centre of town, the Ottoman Commercial School, which originally opened in 1899. The Ierapetra Archaeological Museum has been operating since 1986. Ierapetra has a warm Mediterranean climate. During the summer, temperatures are around 30 degrees Celsius. Most precipitation falls during the winter. Compared to Crete’s famous, crowded tourist destination, visitors who come to Ierapetra enjoy the peace and quiet of the traditional Greek atmosphere. A total of 4.55 million international tourists visited Greece between January and July 2021.
Visitors who wish to visit the Ierapetra Archaeological Museum may take the regional bus directly from the airport to Ierapetra. Another best option would be to rent a car to fully explore the city. Car Rental is prominent on the island of Crete because it allows visitors the freedom, and flexibility to travel, how and when they want to visit a place. There are several car rental companies near the Ierapetra Archaeological Museum that offer the best prices.
What is the history of the Ierapetra Archaeological Museum?
The history of the Ierapetra Archaeological Museum dates back to the end of the 9th century. Residents of Ierapetra started gathering the collection and established the Educational Club of Ierapetra, the club’s goal is to collect and preserve the ancient region. Ierapetra’s archaeological collection covers the period from the 3rd millennium B.C., until the 5th century A.C. The Ierapetra Archaeological Museum has been operating since 1986, in the Commercial Ottoman School, in the centre of the city.
Where is the Ierapetra Archaeological Museum located?
The Ierapetra Archaeological Museum is located in Lasithi, Crete. The Ierapetra Archaeological Museum has a small but impressive collection of antiquities on display. The exhibits are housed in a historical building in the centre of town, the Ottoman Commercial School, which originally opened in 1899. The first room of the museum contains several interesting artefacts from many sites in the area. There are artefacts from the early Minoan, from the excavations at Myrtos Fournou Korifi by the British School of Archaeology, Bronze Age, and stone tools and vases from several sites in the region. Along the southern side of the Ierapetra Archaeological Museum displays Minoan pottery from various sites.
What are the artefacts displayed in Ierapetra Archaeological Museum?
Listed below are the artefacts displayed in the Ierapetra Archaeological Museum.
- Coins: The majority of the coins exhibited in the Ierapetra Archaeological Museum are silver and some are real craftsmanship of coin engraving.
- Geometric Art: There is a little geometric art in the collections displayed in the Ierapetra Archaeological Museum. The reason for that is due to the fact that there are really very few geometric sites in the district. Some of the Geometric art includes figurines and vases from the 9th-8th B.C.
- Minoan Art: One of the most significant finds is a clay larnax. It was found in Episkopi in the autumn of 1946, by professor N. Platon.
- Inscriptions: In the collection of the Ierapetra Archaeological Museum, there are only two of the many important treaties of the multidimensional policies of the Hierapytnians. The first one records the alliance of the Hierapytnians with Antigonos of Macedonia. The second one records the treaty of equality of civil rights with the Arcadians.
- Archaic Art: There are few exhibits of Archaic Art in the Ierapetra Archaeological Museum. Mostly figurines and terracotta votive plaques in relief.
- Classical and Hellenistic Art: Both periods are presented together because Doric Hierapytna developed and came in front of the region apart from the direct political and cultural influences. It has affected the rest of the Helladic world outside of Crete.
- Graeco-Roman Art: The term Greco-Roman relates to the work of local artists under the influence of the Romans. Several lamps display less form than the favourite motifs for decorating the discus.
- Sculpture-Statues: The statues and sculptures in the Ierapetra Archaeological Museum are from the Roman period. These statues are life-size and some are statuettes.
1. Coins
There have been many coins found in the autonomous state of Hierapytna, and they are part of the exhibits in the Ierapetra Archaeological Museum. The majority of the coins are made of silver and some are real craftsmanship of coin engraving.
2. Geometric Art
There is a little geometric art in the collections displayed in the Ierapetra Archaeological Museum. The reason for that is due to the fact that there are really very few geometric sites in the district. Most finds consist mostly of figurines and vases from the 8th and 9th century B.C.
3. Minoan Art
Most Minoan art finds came from outside the area of the modern town. One of the most significant finds is a clay larnax. It was found in Episkopi in the autumn of 1946, by professor N. Platon. The professor found it in a horse-shoe-shaped hewn tomb of the late Minoan III period, and it includes two other larnakes.
4. Inscriptions
One of the most important sources of information about ancient times are Inscriptions. They are the testimony of events, language, private life, and public affairs in ancient times. In the collection of Ierapetra Archaeological Museum, there are only two of the many significant treaties of the multidimensional policies of the Hierapytnians. The first one records the alliance of the Hierapytnians with Antigonos of Macedonia. The second one records the treaty of equality of civil rights with the Arcadians.
5. Archaic Art
There are few exhibits of Archaic Art in the Ierapetra Archaeological Museum. Mostly figurines and terracotta votive plaques in relief.
6. Classical and Hellenistic Art
Both periods are presented together because Doric Hierapytna developed and came in front of the region apart from the direct political and cultural influences. It has affected the rest of the Helladic world outside of Crete. However, these finds have not been properly evaluated yet, but they constitute an important part of the collection.
7. Graeco- Roman Art
The term Greco-Roman relates to the work of local artists under the influence of the Romans. Several lamps display less form than the favourite motifs for decorating the discus.
8. Sculpture-Statues
Several of the statues recovered from the Viglia area, where the ancient city was situated, are headless. These are from the Roman period. These statues are life-size and some are statuettes.
How was the Ierapetra Archaeological Museum preserved?
Ierapetra Archaeological Museum is protected by a preservation order and has been ceded to the Ministry of Culture by the Municipality of Ierapetra. The Ministry of Culture is working to develop a complete cultural policy for Greece. The Ministry is responsible for all state museums of Crete, and for regional departments dealing with Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities. The conservation of Greek heritage had been a top priority from the earliest days of the modern Greek state in the 1830s.
What are the nearby attractions in the Ierapetra Archaeological Museum?
Listed below are the nearby attractions in Ierapetra Archaeological Museum.
- Koutsounari beach: Koutsounari Beach is located 5 km east of the village of Koutsounari near Ierapetra. It is a long beach situated on a lush green hill with many olives and pine trees around it.
- Chrissi Island: Chrissi Island is an uninhabited island approximately 15 km south of Crete, close to Ierapetra. The word “Chrissi” means “golden”, and it refers to the beautiful sand on the beaches of the islet.
- Waterfall of Milona: Waterfall of Milona is located at the end of a walking path in Milona Gorge, near the village of Agios Ioannis, in the municipality of Ierapetra in Crete. The gorgeous Waterfall of Milona has a height of 40 metres.
- Ierapetra beach: The Ierapetra Beach is a nice beach with crystal clear blue water. The beach has sunbeds and umbrellas, where visitors can relax and enjoy the beach.
- Myrtos Beach: Myrtos Beach is located in Ierapetra, in Lasithi, Crete. It is a pebbled beach with crystal, clear water.
- Church of Afendis Christos: The Church of Afendis Christos is located in Ierapetra, Lasithi county, Crete. It is the oldest church in the city and was built in the 14th century.
- Agios Andreas Beach: Agios Andreas beach is located on an unnamed road, Sitia, just outside the town centre of Ierapetra in Crete, Greece. It is a dark-coloured sand beach and has several smooth rocks.
- Ha Gorge: Ha gorge is located on the west slope of the Thrypti mountain range, and exits east of Vasiliki village in the plain of Ierapetra. Ha Gorge is considered to be the most beautiful technical gorge in Crete.
- The Turkish Mosque: It is located in Tzami Square, Ierapetra, Crete. It is a well-preserved mosque. The mosque dates back to the 19th century and had been converted into a church following the Turk’s withdrawal to Crete. The Turkish Mosque is among the must-visit Churches and Monasteries in Crete.
- Venetian Fortress Kales: The Venetian Fortress Kales is located in Ierapetra Fishing Boats Shelter. The fort dates from the 17th century. It was built atop an older defensive structure reputedly built by Genoese pirates in the 13th century.
Are children permitted at the Ierapetra Archaeological Museum?
Yes, children are permitted at the Ierapetra Archaeological Museum. Children are free of charge and there is no need to pay an entry fee. The entry fee amounts to €2. The Ierapetra Archeological Museum is open every Tuesday to Sunday. Children will enjoy and learn a lot at Ierapetra Archaeological Museum, it is one of the Fun Places in Crete to take your kids. Some exhibits include sculptural statues, embossed tablets, statuettes, coins, and Minoan art.
What is the contribution of Ierapetra Archaeological Museum to Crete Tourism?
The tourism industry in Greece, especially on the island of Crete, has become the fastest-growing tourism market in Greece. It has recorded a 60% growth in the past six years. Crete is well known to have its long tradition and history, especially in culture. It is also very safe for tourists from around the globe. There are many great places to visit in Crete, and one of them is the Ierapetra Archaeological Museum. The Ierapetra Archaeological Museum, which is one of the most underrated Archaeological museums in Crete, has a small but impressive collection of antiquities on display. The exhibits are housed in a historical building in the centre of town, the Ottoman Commercial School, which originally opened in 1899. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the global tourism industry has been greatly affected. Travelling is prohibited during the peak of Covid-19. The tourism industry in Crete has declined, and there are no tourists coming to the island. Now that the world has opened its way, especially in travelling, the tourism industry is expected to be back in Crete. A total of 4.55 million international tourists visited Greece between January and July 2021. This only shows that people are now back to travelling and spending their holidays in beautiful places. The travel restrictions are also improving, but still observing Covid-19 health protocols.
Can you rent a car to get to the Ierapetra Archaeological Museum?
Yes, you can rent a car to go to the Ierapetra Archaeological Museum. The perfect choice would be a rented car. Car rentals will give one the freedom, and flexibility to travel, how and when they want to visit a place. There are several car rental companies near the Ierapetra Archaeological Museum that offer the best prices. There are a lot of options for tourists who wish to travel using a rented car. One can rent a car for just a day tour, or spend the whole holiday driving a rented car for a month.
What are the factors to consider before renting a car in Crete?
Listed below are the factors to consider before renting a car in Crete.
- Insurance: Car rental insurance protects a passenger against the cost of damage when renting a car. Crete car rental includes insurance for collision damage waiver and a driver’s credit card is required as a guarantee.
- Driver’s age: To be able to rent a car in Crete the driver should be at least 21 years old. Also, one must have a valid driving licence for at least one year.
- Driver’s gender: Both women and men can drive in Crete. As long as the driver is of the legal age of 21, driving a rental car is allowed in Crete, regardless of gender.
- Car type: One must learn how to choose the right car to rent in Crete. Travelling with groups or family members requires a much bigger car. Car rental companies in Crete offer a variety of cars to choose from. Picking a smaller car is best when driving in Crete. The reason for that is that some Greek roads are narrow.
- Documents needed for renting a car: One important document needed for renting a car is a valid driving licence. However, a credit or debit card may also be presented, including a passport or an ID card.
How much does a car rental in Crete cost?
Crete is a beautiful island with several tourist spots that can be travelled using a rented vehicle. Crete car rental costs vary depending on the number of persons, itinerary, car type, location, and duration. The average cost of renting a car in Crete is around €30 to €40 per day. A car rented for a whole week will cost an average of €250. Renting a vehicle for the weekend will cost around €78. Car rental rates in Crete differ depending on the car type. Car rental companies offer a variety of cars depending on customers’ liking. Most car rental companies in Crete offer an online booking system, whenever customers want to book a car. Simply follow the process and instantly book a vehicle on their website. Before renting a car in Crete, make sure to check all the requirements needed.
