Museum of Christian Art, Heraklion, Greece

The museum of Christian Art is located close to St. Minas Cathedral.It is housed in the church of Saint Catherine, which was formerly part of the Monastery of the Sinaites. The Monastery was founded in the 10th century but the church was only built much later, in the 16th century, displaying influences from Venetian architecture.
During Turkish rule the church was converted into a mosque, remaining as such until 1922, when the last Muslims left Heraklion.
The main theme of the exhibition is religious art developed in Crete between the 14th and 19th centuries, including items by two important representatives of the Cretan School of Icon Painting, Angelos Akotantos and Michael Damaskinos. After the fall of Constantinople (Istanbul) in 1453, with many artists fleeing to Venetian-ruled Crete, the contact with Venice introduced aspects of Renaissance Italian art to Crete. The mix of Byzantine tradition with Italian influences resulted in an entirely new style known as the Cretan School of Icon Painting. The collection also includes murals, sculptures, wood carvings, manuscripts, coins, vestments and books.

Opening hours: 9.30 am to 7 pm (1.30 pm Nov.-Mar.)
Entrance fee (standard): €4

 Heraklion





Local: Karterou, Iraklio 712 01, Grécia

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