<p>The Museum of Cretan Ethnology is located in the traditional village of Voroi, just 2 kilometers north of the ancient Minoan palace of Phaistos and 61 kilometers south of Heraklion. It was founded in 1973 by the Cultural Association of Mesara and opened to the public in 1988 with its first ethnographic exhibition. In 1992, the museum was donated to the Greek State, leading to the establishment of a Public Benefit Foundation under the name Museum of Cretan Ethnology. That same year, its exhibition was awarded the European Museum of the Year Award by the Council of Europe.</p>
<p>The museum’s permanent collection includes approximately 2,500 objects originating from all over Crete, depicting life in the Cretan countryside during the second millennium AD. The exhibition is organized into seven thematic sections that reflect the evolutionary development of human activities: Food and Nutrition, Architecture, Weaving, Production and Trade, Transportation and Communication, Customs and Traditions, and Social Organization. These areas interact with one another, representing the biological needs for survival and adaptation of human beings through time and space.</p>
<p>In 2001, a state-of-the-art 2,800 square meter building was completed, serving as a research and conference center. This facility hosts scientific research projects, conferences, and educational workshops. The complex also includes a library, sound and photography studios, conservation laboratories, archives, and storage facilities.</p>
<p>The museum’s mission is to collect, document, conserve, and scientifically study ethnological artifacts and natural history specimens that represent Crete’s cultural heritage and natural ecosystem. It also aims to promote the international visibility of Cretan culture and heritage while providing education and specialization opportunities for researchers and experts in Cretan ethnology and culture. Additionally, the museum offers services to local government bodies and organizations, contributing to the protection and promotion of Crete’s cultural assets and natural monuments.</p>
<p>The Museum of Cretan Ethnology offers a unique opportunity to deeply explore traditional Cretan life, history, customs, and everyday activities throughout the centuries. A visit to the museum pairs perfectly with a stroll through the picturesque village of Voroi and the nearby archaeological site of Phaistos. Visitors are encouraged to join guided tours for a more comprehensive experience.</p>

Ethnological museum of Voroi

The Museum of Cretan Ethnology is located in the traditional village of Voroi, just 2 kilometers north of the ancient Minoan palace of Phaistos and 61 kilometers south of Heraklion. It was founded in 1973 by the Cultural Association of Mesara and opened to the public in 1988 with its first ethnographic exhibition. In 1992, the museum was donated to the Greek State, leading to the establishment of a Public Benefit Foundation under the name Museum of Cretan Ethnology. That same year, its exhibition was awarded the European Museum of the Year Award by the Council of Europe.

The museum’s permanent collection includes approximately 2,500 objects originating from all over Crete, depicting life in the Cretan countryside during the second millennium AD. The exhibition is organized into seven thematic sections that reflect the evolutionary development of human activities: Food and Nutrition, Architecture, Weaving, Production and Trade, Transportation and Communication, Customs and Traditions, and Social Organization. These areas interact with one another, representing the biological needs for survival and adaptation of human beings through time and space.

In 2001, a state-of-the-art 2,800 square meter building was completed, serving as a research and conference center. This facility hosts scientific research projects, conferences, and educational workshops. The complex also includes a library, sound and photography studios, conservation laboratories, archives, and storage facilities.

The museum’s mission is to collect, document, conserve, and scientifically study ethnological artifacts and natural history specimens that represent Crete’s cultural heritage and natural ecosystem. It also aims to promote the international visibility of Cretan culture and heritage while providing education and specialization opportunities for researchers and experts in Cretan ethnology and culture. Additionally, the museum offers services to local government bodies and organizations, contributing to the protection and promotion of Crete’s cultural assets and natural monuments.

The Museum of Cretan Ethnology offers a unique opportunity to deeply explore traditional Cretan life, history, customs, and everyday activities throughout the centuries. A visit to the museum pairs perfectly with a stroll through the picturesque village of Voroi and the nearby archaeological site of Phaistos. Visitors are encouraged to join guided tours for a more comprehensive experience.

Mike's Bikes Matala logo
Go Back Top