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The War Museum of Rethymnon is located in Chromonastiri, a traditional settlement 11 km southeast of Rethymnon city. It is one of the eight branches of the War Museum. It is housed in an impressive early 17th century Venetian mansion known as “Klontio Mansion”. This historic building, originally the summer residence of a Venetian noble family, retains architectural features of both the Venetian and Ottoman periods.
The Rethymnon War Museum is a unique combination of historical architecture and military memory.The restoration of the mansion began in 1997 by the General Staff of the Army and was completed in 2002. The museum was officially inaugurated in 2010 by General Manousos Paragioudakis, who was the initiator of its establishment. Since then, it has been operating as an active cultural institution, hosting exhibitions, concerts, theatrical performances and educational lectures.
The museum presents a rich collection of exhibits covering Greek military history from the Venetian occupation to the Second World War. It includes A room dedicated to the Battle of Crete, exhibits of military uniforms of the Greek Army, historical weapons from the Revolution of 1821 to World War II, Venetian uniforms and armaments of the period, a room of temporary exhibitions, while outside the museum are displayed historical aircraft and vehicles along with guns and tanks of the Hellenic Army from the early 20th century.
The villa preserves important architectural elements such as the Venetian coat of arms, the “Gate of the Nobles”, the medieval gutter system, the Ottoman hammam and authentic living, food preparation and production areas (wine press, olive press).
*The photos are sourced from the museum’s official website.
Museum
War
Chromonastiri, Rethymnon
+30 2831075135
November-March
All week: 09:00-17:00
April-October
All week: 09:00-19:00
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