Nikos Kazantzakis Museum (Myrtia)

The Nikos Kazantzakis Museum is in the village of Myrtia (Varvaroi), about 20 km south of Heraklion in Crete, Greece, in the home village of the writer's father. Kazantzakis (1883-1957), author of Zorba the Greek, The Last Temptation of Christ and Freedom or Death, was born in Heraklion, and the museum honours his life and work in the countryside he often wrote about. The collection includes manuscripts, first editions and translations of his books into many languages, letters, photographs and personal items such as his desk and travel belongings. Displays follow his journeys through Europe, Russia, Asia and Egypt, his political and philosophical interests, and the way his novels were adapted for stage and film, including the 1964 film of Zorba. Visitors can read excerpts, watch audiovisual material where available, and view stage sets and costumes associated with productions of his works. A visit takes one to one and a half hours. The museum is reached by car or taxi from Heraklion in about thirty minutes; KTEL buses to Myrtia are infrequent, so visitors should check ktelherlas.gr first. Hours are reported as 09:00 to 17:00 daily from April to October, with shorter winter hours and some listings noting appointments, so calling +30 2810 741689 beforehand is wise. Admission is listed at EUR 5 full and EUR 3 reduced. The museum is quiet at most times, and the setting is a good pairing with Archanes village and nearby wineries on a morning drive. Readers familiar with his books gain the most from the visit, but the photographs and setting are engaging for general visitors too. The official site is kazantzaki.gr.