great bus ride up into the mountains where you enter an amazingly restored Venetian building dedicated to he military and run by the Crete army. Loads of information on the many battles and invasions of Crete. from the Kurds to the German invasions in ww2.Only 2 euros to enter and worth every penny.
Took the trip to Chromonistiri Village - a tour guide, who was doing his military service, showed us around the museum. Fascinating experience. Lots of pictures and weaponry to see and very informative. Well worth a visit. Highly recommend.
Never realised so much had happened in Crete during WWII. Well told story with exhibitions, video and pictures to accompany it.
Accessible on the Red Bus tour or by Car or walking (it's about 6k out of town) We were guided round by a soldier who spoke English and then explored ourselves.The rooms on the Battle for Crete were very enlightening and portrayed what is was like to live under Nazi rule. There were also full size exhibits outside of guns, tanks and a Huey helicopter. I'd say the museum was well worth the trip out.
Stopped off here whilst on open topped bus tour. Small museum but interesting video on Island life during World War II. Make sure you take water with you as no cafe on site. Had to wait for hour for next bus so plenty of time to read information available.
The only 'hop off' we made on the Rethymnon city tour. The museum is set in a restored villa and for €1.50 each was excellent value and there is just enough to wile away the hour before the next bus turns up. The displays are well presented and interesting and you are provided with a background explanation of the history of the villa and the construction of the museum by one of the staff before you are free to wander on your own. It's a shame there are no refreshment facilities though and it's a bit of a trek to the nearest taverna. If you take the city tour get off at this museum as it's about the only stop of any real worth on the whole journey!m
I had great time in the museum today. It is set in a venetian building from the early 17th century and in an hour you can see the entire history of Greece. They have guides who give a very helpfull tour in the begining and are available to answer your every question. The story of the battle of Crete is breathtaking.
Based outside of Rethymnon, in Chromonastiri, we visited the museum as one of the stops on the open top bus tour. The museum is inside a lovely old Venetian villa, now renovated and owned by the Greek army. A comprehensive history of Greek and Cretan battles, along with a display of costumes and weaponry throughout the ages. This culminates in a moving exposition of the battle for Crete. Well worth a visit.In the village's main square, there is a very good taverna serving traditional food, alongside an excellent olive oil museum.
In one hour you can see the entire contemporary history of Greece. The building itself is mesmerizing, I couldn't stop making pictures. The guides of the museum assisted me a lot providing the context of all the events.
We came here on the tour bus and it was well worth a visit. A bargain at 1.50 euro, we had a talk from one of the staff (Greek army) at the start and then were left to our own devices. A beautiful building jam-packed with fascinating exhibits on the Greek army through the ages. The exhibition on the WW2 battle for Crete is especially moving. My only complaint, I needed to stay longer but had to get back for the tour bus. Would love to visit again. Just check, I think it is shut on Mondays and definitely closes every day around 2pm.