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Santorini museums - history on display!
Give yourself a break from the beach or from admiring the volcano view and explore the island's fascinating history through some of its museums.
Despite its small size, several Santorini museums are well worth a visit, if you are so inclined.
In fact, Santorini is a real treasure island for anyone with the least bit of interest in history.
Santorini has a long and fascinating cultural history, including one of the most advanced Bronze age civilizations known to man.
Excavations during the 20th century have revealed details of ancient societies buried under beds of volcanic dust.
The volcanic dust has acted as a protective layer for the historical artifacts, allowing archaeologists to dig them out astonishingly well-preserved.
So, even though many of the best artifacts have been moved to Athens, the archaeological Santorini museums have some very interesting collections.
Santorini museums also cover winemaking, art, folklore, and nautical themes.
Here is a brief account of the museums found on the island.
Akrotiri Archaeological Site
The Akrotiri Archaeological Site is an extraordinary Santorini museum that has unfortunately been closed since the tragic incident in 2005 when part of its roof collapsed and killed one tourist. There is still no definite word on when it will re-open.
The importance of the archaeological site in Akrotiri stretches far beyond Santorini. It is in fact the greatest archaeological discovery of the Eastern Mediterranean.
The first uncoverings of the historic site were made in the latter part of the 19th century, but it wasn't until 1967 that systematic excavations got underway.
Thanks to the protection of layers of volcanic ash, much of the material that has been dug out is impressively well preserved, which provides the visitor with an unusual insight into the life on Santorini as far back as the Later Neolithic Age (4th millenium B.C.).
We can only hope for a re-opening soon. This exhibition is simply too fascinating to be kept from the public.
Ancient Thira Archaeological Site
The Ancient Thira Archeological Site is located on the mountain of Mesa Vouno, just south of Kamari, at an altitude of 400 m.
Ancient Thira is believed to have been settled sometime in the 9th century B.C. which would make it the second important civilization after ancient Akrotiri, the population of which has been dated as far back as the 4th millenium B.C.
The archaeological site, which is the result of nearly 30 years of excavation, has many important monuments and buildings.
Ancient Thira is most conveniently reached from Kamari and is open daily from 8.30-14.30. Guided tours are available.
Archaeological Museum of Santorini
The Archaeological Museum of Santorini displays artifacts from the excavations of Ancient Thira, complete with sculptures, inscription stones, pottery and clay figures.
The museum is located in Fira close to the entrance to the steps to the old port.
It is open daily, except Mondays, from 8.30 to 15.00.
Argyros Mansion
The Argyros Mansion is located in Messaria and is for anyone who is interested in how the wealthy lived on Santorini in the 19th century.
This historically preserved home was built in 1888 and belonged to the wealthy landowner and wine merchant George Argyros.
The mansion, which is a protected work of art, is rich with interesting architectural features, on the outside as well on the inside, like the exquisitely decorated ceilings.
Today, the ground floor serves as a hostel, while the rest of the house is open for visitors who can enjoy displays of furniture and utensils exactly the way they were once left.
Argyros mansion is open daily from April to October.
Bellonio Cultural Centre and Library
Folklore Museum of Santorini
The Santorini Museum of Folklore, located in the old village of Kondochori just outside of Fira, provides a unique look into life on Santorini as it was lived in the 19th century.
The museum is housed in a traditional Santorini dug-out building displaying authentic workshops of craftsmen, such as carpenter, barrelmaker and shoemaker, as well as a winery.
Exhibitions of Santorini art and photography is held here from time to time.
Open daily from 10-14 and 18-20.
Megaron Gizi
The Megaron Gizi Museum in Fira is housed in an old mansion built in 1700. It houses an interesting exhibition of engravings, photographs, maps and historical documents, as well as traditional costumes, mainly from the period between the 16th and 19th century.
This museum is open daily from 10.30 to 13.30 and 17.00 to 20.00 (Sunday 10.30 to 16.00).
Museum of Minerals and Fossils
The Museum of Minerals and Fossils, one of the latest contributions to the Santorini museums, is located at the main square of Perissa, close to the Church of the Holy Cross.
This museum houses a fine exhibition of prehistoric minerals and fossils, not only from Santorini, but also from Greece and beyond.
The oldest item on exhibit dates back some 1.5 billion years, while some more recent ones only go as far back as 50,000 years.
In summer the museum is open daily between 10.00-14.00.
Museum of Prehistoric Thira
The Museum of Prehistoric Thira is located in Fira and contains all of the famous wall paintings from the island's prehistoric period.
Nautical Museum
After the liberation from the Turks in 1821, the inhabitants of Santorini had a very prosperous period as sailors.
Santorini Nautical Museum is located in Oia and it displays the nautical history of Santorini, through a wide range of exhibitions, with emphasis on the successful 19th century.
Nomikos Conference Center
The Petros M. Nomikos Conference Center is located in Fira and houses a permanent exhibition of reproductions from ancient Akrotiri.
Wine Museum
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