Paleontological Museum

The Temple of Mastabas, with the characteristic 9-dome architecture, is an authentic monument of Rethymnon and has been conceded to GNHM following a decision of the Ministry of Culture. Upon completion of restoration and of the relevant museological study, it will operate as a Museum of Palaeontology, being annex of the Goulandris National History museum in Crete.

The paleontological collection of the Municipality of Rethymnon, which is the basis of the exhibited material, has already been conceded to GNHM. It has been studied and conserved with the cooperation of the University of Athens (Historical Geology and Palaeontology Faculty, Department of Geology and Geoenvironment), by the emeritus professor N. Symeonidis and the assistant professor Dr. G. Theodorou.

Original findings of endemic mammals in real-size representations and in anatomic arrangement shall accompany the exhibition. Visitors shall get to know the dwarf Cretan elephants, dwarf hippopotamuses, and polymorphous Cretan deers, and they will find information on these animals, the first inhabitants of Crete, and on Greek mythology.