In the village of Mirtia (Varvari), 20 km from Heraklion, is a museum of the famous Greek writer, poet and philosopher Nikos Kazantzakis (1883-1957). The museum is located in his homeland and is dedicated to his life and work. It was opened in June 1983 in the presence of the current Minister of Culture of Greece, Melina Mercouri. The founder of the museum is a distant relative of the writer George Anemoyannis who put a lot of effort to the museum was founded precisely in the myrtle, and built a new building for the museum on the site of the old house of his father. Earlier exposition dedicated Kazandazakisu, was introduced only in the Historical Museum of Crete (Heraklion).

Kazantzakis Museum is located in the central square of myrtle and consists of two buildings. The museum contains the writer's personal items (tubes, glasses, pens, etc.), as well as a huge collection of his manuscripts, personal letters and rare photos. The museum has a documentation of theater for his work, theater sets and costumes. The museum also presented copies of TV shows and movies in his novels, copies of press releases and articles about his life and work. In the museum you can see a documentary about the life and work of the writer and buy his book.

In 2009 it was carried out major reconstruction of the museum. July 3, 2010 renewed the museum re-opened its doors for visitors wishing to explore the work of the great Greek writer. Works of Nikos Kazantzakis had a tremendous impact on the modern world literature.

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