At the entrance of Firkas Fortress is the Maritime Museum of Crete, established in 1973 with the purpose of preserving and showcasing the island’s maritime wealth and traditions. The museum captures Crete’s rich naval history through more than 2,500 exhibits, including historical artifacts, paintings, objects recovered from the seabed, maps, and much more, offering a comprehensive view of the island’s maritime heritage.
One of the museum’s most impressive features is the permanent Ancient and Traditional Shipbuilding exhibition, which includes a faithful replica of an ancient Minoan trading vessel. Through this exhibition, visitors have the opportunity to understand the expertise and rich maritime culture of Crete, which dates back thousands of years.