Archeological Museum

Situated on Halidon Street, about 2 minutes walk from the harbour in Hania, in the former 14th Century Monastery Church of San Francesco. The museum, which opened in 1963, features exhibits found in the Province of Hania from Neolithic to Roman times, including the finds from the Minoan Kydonia excavations located on Kastelli Hill (Kanevaro Street). This site, which was excavated by Swedish and Greek Archeologists between 1969 and 1984 is Late Minoan in origin, with most finds dating around 1500BC. This excavation helps substantiate the claim that Hania has had continuous human occupation for over 3,500 years. The exhibits include vases, ceramics, jewels and clay sarcophagi. Also included are a number of clay seals, including the famous figure of a Minoan man, standing high above the sea, with the sea itself seemingly smashing against the City gates. Was this the tsunami that wiped out the Minoan civilisation following the Santorini eruption in about 1,450BC? Museum opening hours Tuesday to Sunday, 09.00 to 15.00. If you are unable to get to the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion, and have an interest in the incredible history of Crete, this is a must. NB. Almost opposite the Museum are the remains of one of Hania's Turkish Baths (Hamum), now tastefully (?) converted into a gift shop.