Heraklion Archaeological Museum a New Stop in Iter Vitis European Cultural Route

A mural with wine offerings in Knossos, Crete. Photo source: Wines Of Crete.

The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion on Crete recently became the second Greek museum to be included in the Iter Vitis Cultural Route of the Council of Europe.

The announcement was made during a press conference held at the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, which was the first Greek museum to join the route in July.

“The culture of vine and wine is an extremely important part of our common European culture,” said Mendoni during the press conference that was also attended by Iter Vitis Route President Emanuela Panke.

“Its origins go back to the ancient Mediterranean world, with the contribution of the ancient Greeks already during prehistoric times,” she said.

Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni during the event in Thessaloniki. Photo source: Culture Ministry.

The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion boasts an extensive collection of artifacts from the Minoan civilization. Among its treasures are items linked to wine production and consumption, such as wine presses, wine jars, and wine cups. The museum’s exhibits offer visitors a unique insight into the pivotal role of wine in Minoan society.

On her part, Panke highlighted the growing popularity of wine tourism networks as a global experiential phenomenon.

“We want to promote history, archaeology, and the areas where wine is grown and produced. We want to promote all this work at European level,” she said.

Cretan vineyard. Photo source: Wines of Crete.

The Cultural Routes Program was launched in 1987 by the Council of Europe, a pan-European organization that promotes human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

The Iter Vitis Cultural Route now includes over 100 destinations in almost 20 European countries. The route is designed to promote wine tourism and to highlight the cultural heritage of wine regions.

The city of Naoussa in Northern Greece was the first Greek city to join the route in November 2022, while Kastoria, Nemea and Archanes, Crete joined earlier this month.