Lassithi Rodanthi Museum

Location: Kritsa
Don't miss: Museums guide (free admission dates and other useful info)

Located in the Cretan village of Kritsa, the Museum of Rare and Endemic Plants Rodanthi is a truly immersive experience, guiding visitors through the rich natural history and cultural heritage of Crete through its diverse exhibits. Its extensive collection of plants includes some of the rarest of Greece that have been used for culinary and medicinal purposes through the decades.

The Rodanthi Museum is housed in a historic building that will take visitors on an unexpected trip through time. Preserved areas such as the traditional kitchen and the ancient construction techniques offer a glimpse into an era now lost to the annals of time, while the hole present in the basement showcases a method of preserving food used by older generations. Such glimpses into the daily lives of the people that once inhabited this building lend the museum deep historic value and can prove to be very informative.

The museum’s exhibits vary. Each one is unique in its own right, they give visitors a chance to engage with the unique flora, fossils and historical figures that have greatly shaped the island’s complexion. Plants with vibrant colors used for natural dyes and pieces of art are on display, as are plants that have been utilized in traditional Cretan healing practices, with remedies that have been passed down through generations. The ancient fossils displayed in an area of the museum provide a window into the island’s geological history and the flora and fauna that have roamed Crete for millions of years. Finally, an exhibit is dedicated to significant historical figures that influenced Cretan culture, from foreign travelers to renowned herbalists. The museum is open on weekdays and weekends and admission is free.

Official website: www.rodanthi.org