Paleontological Museum of Rethymno
The Paleontological Museum of Rethymno is located in Rethymno prefecture in the city of Rethymno. It has been operating since 2009 inside the restored Veli Pasha Mosque or Mastaba Mosque.
In appropriately landscaped garden of 2.5 acres, trees and plants that thrive in Crete were planted, such as plane trees, sour orange trees, Judas trees, olive trees, carobs, Cretan palms, oleanders and laurels and shrubs, such as wild roses, lavender, Cretan dittany, Monk’s Pepper and rosemary.
The paleontological collection of the Municipality of Rethymnon, which is the basis of the exhibited material, was granted to the Paleontological Museum of Rethymno, thus, providing the visitors the opportunity to get acquainted with an important part of the evolution on Crete and the geological and paleontological changes during the past 300 million years.
The exhibition includes findings of endemic mammals in real-size representations. Among them there are dwarf Cretan elephants, dwarf hippopotamuses that existed 11000-13500 years ago and polymorphous Cretan deers, the most important of which being the miniature deer (Candiacervus ropalophorous), 70-80 cm in height, with spatula-shaped antlers, which is also the logo of the museum.
Visitors can learn about the geological history of Crete through texts, drawings, maps, reconstructions and rich photographic material.
The Paleontological Museum of Rethymno hosts events, conducts guided tours for Greek and foreign visitors and provides educational programs and activities for students.
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday, 9:00-15:00 in summer and Tuesday – Thursday – Saturday, 9:00 – 15:00 in winter.
Admission fee: 3€ adults, 2€ (students – upon demonstration of student pass, for planned visits)