In the picturesque village of Myrtia, Heraklion—just 11 km from Knossos—the Nikos Kazantzakis Museum stands as a living tribute to the universal author of Zorba the Greek. It was founded in 1983 by set designer George Anemogiannis in the writer’s ancestral village and was fully renovated in 2009, offering today a modern museum experience of international caliber.

The Permanent Exhibition

Through 650 exhibits, highlighted by a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, the exhibition unfolds Kazantzakis’ timeless thought across five thematic sections:

• Life and the Individual: Personal belongings, diaries, and letters.


• Literary Work: Manuscripts of The Odyssey, The Saviors of God (Ascesis), and his famous novels.


• Journeys and Influences: Souvenirs from his global travels and rare photographic material.


• Theatre and Art: Stage set models and artworks inspired by his creative universe.

Visitors can watch a documentary about his life in 11 languages and use a wireless audio guide, while a specially designed version is also available for children.

Archives and Activities

The Museum preserves an exceptionally rich archive of 50,000 documents, enhanced by donations from Eleni Kazantzakis. It also houses the valuable theatrical archive of George Anemogiannis, including stage models and drawings. Beyond the exhibition, the Museum functions as a research hub with a library, implements educational programs, and organizes conferences, festivals, and performances that keep the writer’s spirit alive and relevant.

Museum Shop

In the thoughtfully designed shop, visitors will find Greek and foreign-language editions of his works, scholarly studies, replicas of exhibits, and high-quality items inspired by the work of the nine-time Nobel Prize–nominated author. A visit to Myrtia is not merely a tour, but an initiation into authentic Cretan hospitality and the philosophical depth of a man who left a lasting mark on world literature.