In the village of Myrtia (Varvari) 20 km from Heraklion is located the Museum of the famous Greek writer, poet and philosopher Nikos Kazantzakis (1883-1957). The Museum is located in his homeland and is devoted to his life and work. It was opened in June 1983 in the presence of the acting Minister of culture of Greece Melina Mercouri. The founder of the Museum is a distant relative of the writer Giorgos Anemogiannis, who put a lot of effort into the Museum was founded in Myrtia, and built a new building for the Museum on the site of the old house of his father. Earlier exposition of Kazanzakis, was presented only in the Historical Museum of Crete (Heraklion).

The Kazantzakis Museum is located on the Central square Myrtia and consists of two buildings. The Museum contains personal belongings of the writer (tubes, glasses, pens, etc.), as well as a huge collection of his manuscripts, personal letters and rare photographs. The Museum has documentation of theatrical productions in his work, theatrical sets and costumes. The Museum also has copies of TV shows and movies based on his novels, copies of press releases and articles about his life and work. In the Museum you can watch a documentary about the life and career of the writer and to purchase his books.

In 2009 he was made the reconstruction of the Museum. July 3, 2010, the renovated Museum re-opened their doors to visitors who wish to explore the work of the great Greek writer. The works of Nikos Kazantzakis has made a huge impact on contemporary world literature.

In 2012, the Nikos Kazantzakis Museum was nominated for the award "European Museum of the year 2012.