Description of the attraction
In the village of Mirtia (Varvari), 20 km from Heraklion, there is a museum of the famous Greek writer, poet and philosopher Nikos Kazantzakis (1883-1957). The museum is located in the homeland of the writer and is dedicated to his life and work. It was opened in June 1983 in the presence of the current Minister of Culture of Greece, Melina Mercury. The founder of the museum is a distant relative of the writer Yorgos Anemoiannis, who made a lot of efforts to establish the museum in Myrtia and built a new building for the museum on the site of his father's old house. Previously, the exposition dedicated to Kazantazakis was presented only in the Historical Museum of Crete (Heraklion).
The Kazantzakis Museum is located in the central square of Myrtia and consists of two buildings. The museum contains the writer's personal belongings (pipes, glasses, pens, etc.), as well as a huge collection of his manuscripts, personal letters and rare photographs. The museum contains documentation of theatrical performances of his work, theatrical scenery and costumes. The museum also displays copies of TV series and films based on his novels, copies of press releases and articles about his life and work. In the museum you can watch a documentary about the life and career of the writer and buy his books.
In 2009, a major reconstruction of the museum was carried out. On July 3, 2010, the renovated museum reopened its doors to its visitors wishing to get acquainted with the work of the great Greek writer. The works of Nikos Kazantzakis have had a huge impact on contemporary world literature.
In 2012, the Nikos Kazantzakis Museum was nominated for the 2012 European Museum of the Year award.
