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Period: Historical exhibits

Gold ring

Kavousi. 3rd-2nd c. BC This gold ring from Kavousi, dating from the Hellenistic period, is a simple but striking piece of jewellery. It has a circular bezel made of a thin gold sheet, incised with a smiling Cupid holding a wreath in his right hand and a torch in his left. Cupids are popular subjects …

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Clay model of circular building

Archanes. c. 810 BC This model of a circular building from Archanes, probably a shrine or a tomb, is unique of its kind. It was previously in the Giamalakis Collection. Although it is dated to the Geometric period, it preserves many elements of Minoan cult. Through the doorway, which was closed by a separate door …

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Lintel of Prinias temple

Prinias, Temple Α. 650 – 600 BC One of the most important sculptural works of Daedalic art of the 7th century BC is the lintel of the main entrance to Temple A at Prinias. At the top, where the skylight was, are two identical enthroned goddesses, seated facing each other with their hands on their …

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Winged Cupid figurines

Gortyn. 3rd-2nd c. BC The four terracotta Cupid figurines in pretty poses come from a tomb of the Hellenistic period excavated in Gortyn. They have suspension holes in the shoulder blades and preserve traces of white and red paint. They are skilfully depicted in lively motion, with finely rendered features. Figurines of the god Cupid …

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Relief sculpture

Gortyn. 600-480/470 BC This large rectangular plaque with a divine triad carved in high relief probably covered the walls of the entrance to the temple of Athena on the acropolis of Gortyn. The taller central male figure is depicted with head and body facing frontally while the legs are moving to the right. He appears …

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Part of a pre-numismatic hoard

Knossos, Tekke. 9th c. BC Small gold ingots, gold rods and a gold sheet, part of a pre-numismatic hoard that also contained intact pieces of jewellery and parts of ornaments made of gold, silver, amber, rock crystal, ivory, faience and glass (the jewellery is on display in Room XIX, case 187). All these valuable objects …

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Mosaic

Chersonesos. 160 – 140 AD This mosaic floor, which is preserved in excellent condition, is made of multicoloured stone tesserae with details in coloured glass, using the technique known as opus tessellatum. The mosaic is framed by a braided guilloche motif delimiting four octagons, each containing concentric circles decorated with a running spiral in the …

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Pithoid jar

Arkalochori. 525-500 BC The Archaic pithoi of the 7th and 6th centuries BC are high-capacity storage jars forming a distinct category of vessel produced by specialised pottery workshops. The complex relief ornaments were made separately in moulds and attached to the surface of the pot, or impressed with stamps. They include fantastical creatures, animals and …

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HOLIDAYS

1 January – New Year’s Day: closed

6 January – Epiphany: 08:30 – 15:30

Shrove Monday: 08:30 – 15:30

25 March – National Holiday: closed

Good Friday: 12:00 – 17:00

Holy Saturday: 08:00 – 15:30

1 May: closed

Easter Sunday: closed

Easter Monday: 08:00 – 20:00

Holy Spirit Day: 08:00 – 20:00

15 August  – Assumption of Virgin Mary: 08:00 – 20:00

28 October OXI Day: 08:00 – 20:00

25 December – Christmas: closed

26 December – Day after Christmas: closed