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In the historical and traditional settlement of Garazos, in the municipality of Milopotamos Rethymnon, three remarkable museums have been operating since 2010: the Folklore Museum, the Museum of Olives and Olive Oil and the Museum of Greek Utility Ceramics. The museums are housed in two traditional buildings near the Cathedral of the Assumption with its ornate bell tower, a copy of that of the Arkadi Monastery.
The Folklore Museum is housed in a 19th century building, classified as a historical monument, which was restored at the expense of the Municipality. On display are household objects, tools of traditional trades, weavings, looms and photographic material depicting the social life of Garazos until the middle of the 20th century. Of particular interest is the old olive mill on the ground floor of the same building, which houses the Olive and Oil Museum. The authentic pre-industrial installation with millstones, press and troughs illustrates the timeless importance of olive growing in Crete.
The Museum of Greek Utilitarian Ceramics was created after the “Ceramic Days” of 2005, a major cultural gathering of potters from all over Greece and Turkey who worked live in the village square. The pottery produced at that time was fired in a traditional kiln and is now the collection of the museum, which is housed in the old town hall of Garazos.
A visit to the three museums offers a unique experience of contact with Cretan tradition, folk culture, olive oil production and the art of ceramics.
*The photos are sourced from Psiloritis Geopark official website.
Museum
Folk Art, Popular Culture
Garazo, Rethymnon
+32 834340351
On request
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