Museums

This fascinating museum is a must if you’re visiting Athens. Initially, the residents of Athens looked upon the new Acropolis museum under construction with suspicion.

The Nautical Museum is considered one of the better ones in the Cyclades.

Highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the Zagori region, the Agapios Tolis Folklore Museum offers its visitors a truly intriguing glimpse into the past. Entire traditional kitchen sets are on display as well as traditional furniture, tools, clothing and jewellery.

Eight rooms, covering the period from Neolithic (Around 3,000BC) to Roman, including the so-called ‘Goddess of Myrtos’ jug, which is worth visiting the museum for, alone. There are also finds here from the palace of Mallia, Siteia and the area of Mirabello.

Located in the centre of this popular resort town, the museum houses a variety of items which highlight what life was like throughout the region from the years of Turkish occupation to the present. Among the objects are traditional farming tools, house wares, weapons, handmade weavings and garments as well as a small library and a large number of photographs.

Yet another folklore museum that reflects the character, identity and heritage of the area. It will certainly shed light on recent history in this mountainous part of Greece.

The Frankish castle in Lamia (Akrolamia) dominates the city among stones from an ancient acropolis. Many parts are intact including bastions and walls. Successive repairs took place in Byzantine and medieval times, and the site was inhabited even during the 5th century BC. There’s an archaeological museum in the castle.

The non profit organization was created to further the study of Alexander The Great.The foundation’s chief goals include the promotion of health and education, and support for institutions that contribute to the improvement of social, cultural and friendly relations between Greece and other nations. The foundation also aims to maintain the language, history, culture, national identity and traditions of Greeks via the organization of conferences, symposiums, seminars, art and sculpture exhibitions, books and other forms of artistic and intellectual subjects.

Delve into the life of this local politician and prime minister of Greece from 1924 to 1932. Photographs from his family life, military life and political life are on display, as well as personal belongings, including letters in German and large personal library.

A private collection of the works of painter and sculptor, Alkibiades Skoulas, including one depicting the horrors of Nazi atrocities in Anoghia, in 1944. Run now by Alkibiades’ son, Georgios, this is wonderful and moving museum.

Housed in a historic neoclassical building, the museum highlights local folk art, as well as manufacturing items both from Greece and abroad, used in the late 19th century. This is a true trip in time.

Also part of the Church of Panagia buildings, the museum reveals the life of this well-known scholar from Tinos, with plaster and wood carvings made by the artist.

Walk through a number of fascinating finds such as the statue of Hermes of Andros, found in Palaeopolis, dating from the first century BC. There are sculptures from Arcahic, Classical and Hellenistic times, as well as Roman, Byzantine and post-Byzantine periods. Study the impressive scale models from the ancient settlement of Zagora (10th-8th centuries BC) and much more…

Two museums in one building, the Archaeological Collection of Galaxidi reflects life in antiquity including commerce, burial and more, with findings dating grom the Bronze age to the late antique period. In the same traditional building lies the Naval and Ethnological Museum which reflects the strong ties that this once flourishing maritime town has to the sea. Sea maps, model ships and paintings are on display here, as well as weapons from the war of independence.

This collection is found in the town hall of the Thespies, where many findings are presented such as those from the archaeological area of the ancient city by the same name, architectural parts of the ancient city’s buildings, sculptures of classical years, and remains from the archaic and the roman years.

Discover what life was like in this complex fort city, known for its Venetian influence, spiritual significance, Frankish element, Ottoman rule, quality wine, churches, cisterns, hamams and public buildings. Art, pottery, sculpture, coats of arms and much more are at display within the Castle of Monemvasia.

The Archaeological Museum has an extensive collection of vases from the 7th and 6th centures BC. It also boasts some pieces from the archaic and classical period, as well as Hellenistic and Roman sculptures.

From prehistoric findings to weapons and artwork, this museum contains a vibrant collection of artefacts and objects from Syros and other Cycladic islands, such as Hellenistic inscriptions and sculptures.

The archaeological museum of Ios was founded in 1998 and reflects modern museum philosophy. It is situated on the ground floor of the Amiradakio Town Hall. It exhibits findings dating from prehistoric to Roman times.

Serifos was inhabited by the Mycenaeans, and the Archaeological Museum stands witness to this civilization with its exhibits from that era. There are some relics from the Mycenaean era which are rare, as most have been stolen around the country over the centuries.

In the centre of Hora, this museum boasts Tinian findings including ancient household objects, vases from the Geometric era, archaic amphorae, dating to the 5th century BC,coins, mosaics and part of the frieze from the altar of Poseidon.

The Museum of Hora, is full of great finds, almost all found in archaeological sites in the area. In particular, near Nestor’s Palace, displayed with special care.

Was built between 1968 to 1972. It includes findings of the excavations conducted by the Archaeological Society in ancient Messene(Mavromati).There are exhibited architectural fragments,inscribed limestone slabs and so on.

A true gem of the island, this museum is housed in the former junior high school of Ikaria’s capital. The building itself is impressive, as an excellent example of neoclassical architecture dating back to 1925 and featuring unique pediments and a large, marble staircase leading to the main entrance and front yard of the building. Inside, the museum contains over 200 artifacts which have been unearthed throughout the island and the waters surrounding Ikaria. Visitors have the opportunity to see pottery, columns, stone and bronze tools, well-preserved amphoras, pedestals, pillars, clay wares, weapons and other personal objects. The most important of these is the funerary sculpture of Katafygi, a work of an artist from Paros dating back to the Archaic/Early Classical period.

The museum contains finds from the district of Aitolo-akarnania, ranging from the Prehistoric to the Roman periods. It was erected in 1960 and is a donation of the Papastratos brothers.

This small yet interesting exhibit is housed in the same building as the public baths of the municipality. Some noteworthy artefacts include a marble depiction of Hercules and a Roman statue of the demigod. Marble columns from nearby Gialtra dating back to the 4th century are also available for viewing.

Located in Hora, at the Pyrgos or else called Sala tou Gavra (Gavra’s Mansion), it features a wide range of archaeological findings from the whole island, dating from the early Bronze Age until the end of the ancient world.

Discover collections from classical and prehistoric times from the area and beyond, dating from 2000 BC to 600 AD. Interesting finds from the Mycenaean and Neolithic periods (from 5000 to 1100 BC) are also on display, thanks to the efforts of the French Archaeological School and the American School of Classical Studies at Lerna.

Because this region was inhabited for thousands of years, there are many objects to appreciate at this museum. In addition, there is a mausoleum known as Hamaithanasis worth visiting nearby.

Important sculptures from Livadia and Chaironia such as Demeter, Kyveli, a portrait of emperor Hadrian, a stone sphere with reliefs of the sun and moon, and Athena Kranaia can be seen at the museum. There are also ceramics from pre-historic locales around the area, including Mycenaean murals from Orchomenos, weapons and coins from Macedonia and a Theban tomb from the area. Recently more findings from roman, classical and Hellenic times have enriched the museum’s solid collection. Note the fine inscriptions and headstones from the area, and a tomb with a mosaic floor and many other interesting finds.

Wander through Roman exhibits in 3 special showrooms and around the museum’s courtyard. The museum highlights the long history of Corinth starting from the Neolithic era until the Middle Ages.

One of the most important museums in the country, displaying the history of Delphi and its powerful oracle. Stunning statues, architectural sculpture and gifts to the sanctuary are exhibited. They reflect the political, religious and artistic values of people around Ancient Greece and beyond from the 8th century BC until the late antique period. The greatest finds in this museum include the bronze charioteer from the 5th century BC, the gold and ivory heads of Artemis and Apollo, and the Roman copy of the Navel of the World (another name for Delphi).

The archaeological museum of Delos, was built in 1904 is considered one of the most important museums in Greece. It includes nine rooms with sculptures, bas-reliefs,  mosaics, vessels, jewels, objects of daily use, etc. Noteworthy are the statue of Apollo, the trunk of a Kouros from the temple of Apollo, the marble cluster of Voreas, the statues of Dioskouridis and his spouse Cleopatra, as well as the copper mask of Dionysus.

This small archaeological museum boasts finds from the vicinity. Notable finds include the proto-attic amphora from 650 BC, a statue of a running maiden, the Kore from the Ieri Oikia (sacred house) and more.

While some of the sculptures originally here were moved to the National Archaeological Museum in Athens and replaced by plaster versions, there’s still a lot to see. The museum houses healing inscriptions, hymns and votive sculptures, as well as several architectural parts of monuments from the sanctuary of Asclepius.

Halkida’s Archaeological Museum is one of Evia’s most extensive collections of island’s past. Featuring artefacts from the Neolithic Era down to the Late Roman Empire, visitors are offered a rare and in-depth look at Evia’s history down through the ages.

Ioannina’s Archaeological Museum is home to a large selection of interesting finds not only throughout Ioannina, but from the entire region of Epirus. The artefacts within the museums span several millennia, with exhibits featuring items from the Palaeolithic era including stone tools. There are also some interesting statuettes from the nearby site of Dodona.

Right beside the site where many archaeological treasures were unearthed, this museum features all the finds and outstanding glass tableaus from 375 AD.

This new museum will take you on a journey of Kalymnos’ history from its earliest Prehistoric evidence right through to the Byzantium. Amongst the many artifacts, make it a point to admire the famed Kore of Kalymnou statue. The folds of her dress drape to make her seem real and alive. Also admire the Kouros statue.

Located within the archaeological site of Kambos, this museum contains artefacts from the areas of Kambos (ancient Oinoe), Nas (temple of Tavropolio Artemis), Arethousa, Christos Raches, Proespera and Frantato, among many others. Within the museum’s exhibits, visitors will find pottery, statues, grave goods, sarcophagi, idols and building fragments. Of particular interest is a marble sarcophagus dating back to the Late Archaic period. It’s believed to have been produced in Asia Minor and features carved reliefs of fruit, garlands and roses.

Karystos’ Archaeological Museum as well as the Giokalio Institute are housed within the same building along the coastal road of Karystos.

The archaeological museum of Kimolos hosts many interesting find from the ancient town of Ellinika. There are spectacular ceramics from the Geometric, Hellenistic and Roman periods.

This museum houses a stunning collection of statues and mosaics from the Ancient Greek and Roman periods. Make it a point to admire the statue of Hippocrates dating back to the 4thC BC and that of Hermes from the 2ndC BC. Don’t miss the floor mosaic depicting a scene with Hippocrates and the god Asklipios from the 2ndC AD.

This small museum features artifacts from local digs that range from Neolithic times on. Minoan and Mycenaean relics are on exhibit here as well as a beautiful marble lion dating back to the 6thC BC and a Renaissance statue of Aphrodite and Eros. Please check before visiting as it might be closed for renovations.

Housed in a historic structure itself from the 1830s and built by King Otto, the Archaeological Museum of Lamia will walk you through ancient history from Neolithic times (starting from 6,500 BC) to Helladic/Mycenaean times, then to Geometric, Archaic and Classical/Hellenistic era. Finds from the later include metal objects, pottery, glass, figurines, children’s toys, jewellery, coins and sculptures. This museum is well worth the visit and is the focal point of the city, along with the castle.

Lying 21 km west of Eleusina in Megara, this museum features marble and terracotta finds from the area dating as far back as the 6th century BC up to Roman times. Note the terracotta bust of Demeter, a female statue and a spout with a lion’s head among other interesting artefacts.

Housed in a 19th-century neoclassical building that was designed by German Architect Ernst Ziller, the Archaeological Museum of Milos focuses on two great eras. Relics date from the 3rd millennium BC to the first century AD. Contents include obsidian remains, a replica of Venus de Milo (Aphrodite of Milos), and many prehistoric artefacts from the geometric, archaic, classical, Hellenistic and Roman times.

In the site of Mycenae itself, the museum unveils the life of the Mycenaeans and their burial customs. Curious findings from the graves are exhibited as well as objects from historical years and the Mycenaean civilization in general.

The Archaeological Museum features finds from tombs on the nearby islands of Rineia or Rhenia, along with sculptures, vases and figurines. The town’s Folklore Museum displays interesting collections of icons, furniture, musical instruments and sculptures, among other items of interest.

This new building houses a stunning permanent exhibition that aims to guide you through everyday life in ancient Lesvos. Called Lesvos from the Hellenistic to the Roman Era, you’ll get a glimpse of daily home life, the political scene, economic developments and Ancient Greek religious beliefs. Admire the frescoes on display from Roman villas dating back to the 2ndC BC.

You’ll know this museum is a gem as soon as you see the rare artifacts displayed in the beautiful mansion. Admire Prehistoric, Neolithic, Geometric, Archaic, Hellenistic and Roman coins, figurines, ceramics and jewelry as well as the very rare capitals and artifacts from the Ancient Temple of Klopedi and the Aeolian settlement.

Erected in 1713 by the Venetian Provider Sagredos, the museum features Mesolithic and Palaeolithic finds from as far back as 8000 BC. Some of these hail from the caves of Kefalari and Frachti and Kefalari, in addition to early Helladic finds from Asini, Tiryns and Berbati (2nd millennium BC.). There are also Mycenaean or late Helladic finds from different areas of the Peloponnese as well as from the Geometric era. Archaic and Roman finds are also in the museum, making it a very diverse one that is worth visiting.

Right on site, the museum focuses on finds of the area and sheds light on its history, complementing the site where sadly not much remains.

Olympia boasts a sophisticated new museum containing some very old pieces indeed. Press the Read More link to discover its riches…

Statues, columns, sarchophagus, and beautiful pottery are just a few of the finds exhibited at the museum, located in the city centre of Pythagorion, next to the site of the ancient town of Samos. The museum presents the historical course of the island, from the 5th millennium BC until the 7th century AD. Major exhibits include a seated statue dedicated Aiakos Hera (540 BC), the 2.7m tall statue of Emperor, and large marble sarcophagus’ from the second half of the 6th century BC, as well as a marble portrait of Augustus and one of Claudius from the Roman era.

A small, splendid museum opposite Rethymnon’s fortezza, covering pre and ancient history from neolithic, through Minoan, Doric, Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic and Roman. Note fine examples of Minoan larnakes, Roman statues and a fabulous ancient coin collection.

Constructed in 1890, this is the earliest museum in Viotia. It contains findings from the cemeteries of Tanagra or which had been retrieved in the field, and also finds from the first excavations conducted by the Archaeological Society. A large number of grave stelae where practically the only remains from illegal excavations. The exquisite clay figurines were smuggled outside the country in the early 1870s. Today the recently renovated museum reveals the art of Tanagra over time, important inscriptions and objects from prehistoric times to the early Christian period.

The island is rich with finds dating from 2,800 BC to the 1st Century AD. Amazing pottery from the Helladic, Mycenaean, Protogeometric and Geometric periods are on display. Ancient jewellery, vases and statues are also impressive. Many artefacts are from the site of Palamari.

The archaeological museum of Sparta features important exhibits from ancient times with exhibits from the sacred temples of Chalkiikou Athena and Orthia Artemida, as well as ancient Spartan frescoes.

See neolithic and early bronze-age items from Agiorgitika and Asea, as well as sculptures from the temple of Alea Athena at Tegea and the area. Small objects from the temple are also found, plus inscriptions from the archaic to the byzantine era, and reliefs form early Christian/Byzantine times (Episkopi Tegeas).

Rare collections from around Viotia outline local civilization from Palaeolithic to post-Byzantine eras. There is also a medieval Frankish tower in the museum’s courtyard, once part of a castle erected by Nicholas II de Saint Omer, Archon of Thebes in 1278. The city’s northern gates may have stood at the very spot.

The museum contains funerary stelae and other finds, mainly from the cemeteries of ancient Thyrreion and Anaktorion and various finds from the region of modern Vonitsa. Noteworthy are the marble funerary relief from the 4th century BC and an inscribed stele on the alliance between Thyrreans and Romans from 94 BC.

The island’s archaelogical museum is located in the heart of the main town, and housed in two buildings: the old museum (Paschaleio archive center) and the new museum. It holds collections from various eras, but chiefly the Archaic period. The most famous among the numerous impressive exhibits at the museum is a giant marble statue of a kouros, or young man, unearthed at the Heraion, which is dated to the 6th century BC and stands at 5,5m high.

Mystras also has an archaeological museum in a traditional building within part of the Agios Dimitrios cathedral. The collection features ceramics, frescoes, sculptures and coins, as well as Byzantine fabrics and icons.

Situated inside a gorgeous Venetian church that has since seen itself reinvented as a mosque and a movie theatre, the archaeological museum has a number of beautifully maintained collections from the Neolithic to the Roman era including pottery.

It’s exhibits belong to the Mycenaean age, the Archaic, the Hellenistic but also the Roman times. Impressive are the Burial pithos from Koukoynara and the investment warrior helmets from boar’s teeth, which is a common feature of the soldier-warrior of the Achaeans.

If you’re an ancient history buff, you’ll certainly enjoy the Mycenaean pots, inscriptions, clay figurines, Roman steles and other objects found in the regions of Chryssovitsa, as well as the temple of Apollo Thermios in ancient Calydon.

Housed in a neoclassical building – formerly a hospital – designed by Ernst Ziller, the museum boasts 7000 finds from Arkadia, including prehistoric, Mycenaean, geometric, archaic, Classical, Hellenistic and Roman artefacts. Clay idols, jars, children’s toys, figurines, glass, pottery, votive reliefs…

Let this little museum dating from the Italian occupation of the island before WWII take you back thousands of years in time. Situated in a classical building, this museum boasts objects from prehistoric times up to the Neolithic era.

The first level of this historic museum focuses on the history of the city and relics excavated nearby. Another section covers mythology, research and books written by ancient writers from Xanthi. There are old maps too. Ancient artifacts of public and private life in Xanthi as well as grave sites.

Go back in time with the thousands of papers and documents about Catholicism – and its relation to culture, society and economy – in the Cyclades. Some of these go as far back as the 15th and 16th centuries.

Aristeon means excellence in Greek, and the Aristeon Ecological Olive Press certainly lives up to its name, complete with an olive oil museum, a tasting section and olive soap.

There is a museum attached to the monastery, the scene of the self-destruction by monks, in 1866, which killed not only the Greeks inside, but a fair proportion of the 10,000 Turks who surrounded the monastery.

The church complex is home to over 100 paintings and replicas by famous artists, both Greek and foreign. This includes artworks from the Ionian and Italian renaissance periods, as well as cutlery, vases, bibelots and others.

The Art Space Gallery and Winery (built in 1830) in Exo Gonia features the work of local artists. There is also a museum owned by the same family, with installations for raki (an aniseed liqueur like ouzo) and tomato juice.

The Astros Museum has exhibits of inscriptions from the villa of Herod Atticus (on the site of the Loukou Convent), marble statues of gods from the Classical period, inscriptions, pottery, small items from various periods, etc.

This is the most important in the region, dating from 1909. It features collections from prehistory to Roman years, such as ceramics, statues, bone tools and weapons. A collection of Neolithic figurines, clay models and vases, as well as gold jewellery are on display. Coins from Thessaly and other parts of the ancient Greek world are on display. A Mycenaean model of a chariot from the 13th Century BC, a gold necklace from ancient Pelinneon (3rd century BC) and representation of a tomb from the Protogeometric period (1050-900 BC) are also on display.

Covering the history of the region through its many exhibits, this museum houses photographs household and work-related articles and items from bygone days, as well as old weapons, jewelry, religious items and more. The collection is quite extensive.

The train enthusiast will enjoy historic trains, 19th century steam locomotives, the Royal car of Greece’s King George I and the Sultan’s smoking wagon from days of the Ottoman Empire. Other objects of curiosity abound. (To get there, take bus 24 from Syntagma to the Parktoreia stop).

Greece’s banknotes reflect its geopolitical history as you’ll see in this interesting museum. Here you’ll also admire the country’s first banknote, early bank documents and one of the world’s first banknotes from 14th Century China. And you can find out how money is printed.

This museum is a must-see for any ouzo lover. You’ll get a peek into the distillation process for this famous Greek drink which is a trademark product of Lesvos. Find out how it impacted the local economy, and get a deeper appreciation of the fine art of spices and their uses in ouzo.

Housed in a mid 19th century edifice on the corner of Papazoglou and Benaki streets, the museum features a solid collection of photographs, maps, models and more that help the visitor grasp different aspects of ancient history and culture in the area.

In a lovely neoclassical building near Agion Asomaton Square, this museum highlights the artistic accomplishments of a religion that affected Greece for four centuries. Amazing geometrical art and floral designs will great you, as well as surgical instruments from the 19th century.

This is one of the most prominent museums in Greece in a stunning neoclassical building with vast collections, from the prehistoric to the 20th century. Roman, byzantine, Frankish, Ottoman and war of independence are all covered here. The great coffee shop is added bonus.

In operation since 1970 in the old 15-century six-domed Turkish textile market, the museum has finds from the Neolithic, Bronze, Hellenistic and Roman eras and Byzantium. One of only two remaining Ottoman-era “bezesteni” (textile) markets in Greece.

The museum contains a rich collection of folklore pieces, the main ones being bronze handmade utensils from Tripolitsa, the historical name of Tripoli.

Discover the Byzantine and Christian way of live through paintings, icons, frescos and objects collected over hundreds of years. Insight into how ancient, pagan and early Christian periods were linked through symbols and ideas.

Set within the Acropolis of Its Kale, this fascinating museum brings the past to life within the walls of Ioannina’s famed castle. Guests will witness over a millennia of history from the 4th until the 17th centuries via pottery, jewellery, tapestry, and a series of original manuscripts all showcasing Byzantine art and culture.

A beautiful 15th Century basilica boasts interesting religious icons from the 15th-19th Century. The church is an excellent example of Corfu’s unique religious architecture, while artifacts showcase the role Corfu played in preserving the field of religious art as many Cretan artists fled to Corfu.

This collection features a rare number of Byzantine artifacts, including mosaics, murals and icons.

Take a tour of the island’s religious past, and admire ancient icons, bishop’s robes, illuminated manuscripts and antique chalices. It’s worth visiting as the island is known for its many monasteries and central churches – religious centers that attract tourists from all over.

You’ll feel like you stepped back in time and into the living room of a home belonging to a Kos official from the Roman period. An exact replica, you’ll walk through the 36 stunningly decorated rooms and into three atriums. There are beautiful and colorful mosaics of dolphins and leopards as well as votive altars adorning the home. Just outside you’ll find the remains of the Roman baths.

If you’re into studying nature, you’re going to love this gem of a place. The Centre for Research and Protection of Wild Orchids in Northern Pelion was established in 2012 and lies in the old school of the village of Kerasia, not far from Lake Karla.

If you’re into studying nature, you’re going to love this gem of a place. The Centre for Research and Protection of Wild Orchids in Northern Pelion was established in 2012 and lies in the old school of the village of Kerasia, not far from Lake Karla.

Located in Oikomeni-Sindina. It has a large selection of Children’s dolls and books. The museum is involved in a World Biennale for Children’s Art where 340,000 children participate from 140 countries to win the best art piece.

Housed in an old building from 1835 in Mesolongi, this gallery-cum-museum houses significant sculptures and paintings tied to Greece and its history.

Featuring the works of Lefteris Kanakakis, this wonderful museum is close enough to the archaeological museum to combine the two. Housed in a Venetian building later used as a soap factory, Kanakis works are prominent, but there are sketches by other contemporary Greek artists.

The museum’s exhibitions span the island’s archaeological history and feature the oldest surviving Greek pediment from the Temple of Artemis Gorgon, the exquisite Lion of Menecrates, and the busts of the historian Thucydides and the dramatist Menander. Other interesting artifacts include household tools and medical apparatus.

The Reading Society of Corfu constitutes one of the most important academic institutions in modern Greece. The first of its kind, it was founded in 1836 by illustrious Greek scholars of the period. The Society houses an important collection of books, maps, artwork and newspapers.

The Folklore Museum in Crete is located in Gavalohori in a beautifully renovated building that includes a wonderful array of pieces of exquisite craftsmanship including weavings, pottery, woodcarvings and fine works of lace.

A complete 18th century olive press of Chelmis at Ano Pitrofos is a great way to learn about olive oil through a physical and virtual tour.

Near the central square of Ermoupolis (Miaouli) there is a museum with a robust collection of Cycladic art from excavations undertaken in Syros and other islands in the Cyclades.

Located in the present-day settlement of Dion, only 500 meters from the entrance of the archaeological space, the museum displays finds from various excavations over the years. The finds have been organized according to the areas from which they were excavated on the site, and include discoveries from ancient Pydna and other archaeological spots in Pieria. In the basement visitors can watch an educational film titled «Daily Life in Ancient Dion», and screenings of audiovisual materials related to ancient Dion and Olympus.

The ancient Phocean city of Ambrossos, located now where Distomo is and beyond, features many findings from the Mycenaean up to the Early Christian era. The findings are on display at the old primary school, a preserved stone building from 1903. There’s also a photo exhibition from the Nazi massacre in 1944.

A generous archive of photographs and a lot of old objects will enlighten you on how people used to live here. A visit to this museum will strengthen your connection to this magical area of Greece.

Drakotripa was known for its sword-smiths in the Ottoman era, followed by stonemasons called Koudari, who spoke their own language like most masons of Epiros. The village has a museum with a library and exhibits from the 18th-19th centuries. There is also a working watermill in Drakotripa worth visiting.

Housed within the old cells of the Monastery of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, it contains a collection featuring objects found in religious ceremonies and traditions. Most impressive is an icon of the Virgin Mary “Rodo Amarando” dating back to 1774.

Housed on the 2nd floor of the region’s Orthodox diocese, the museum’s exhibits include religious vestments, Byzantine artifacts, crucifixes, illustrated Gospels and carved chancel screens from monasteries and churches of the greater area of Serres and Nigrita.

In the village by the same name, this museum features rich icons from different churches as well as religious paraphernalia from vestments to old books.

The Ecclesiastical Museum of Milos by the waterfront in Adamas lies appropriately in a thousand-year-old church of the Holy Trinity. Icons and wood carvings dating from more prosperous Venetian times and gifts from local migrants to Russia are on display, including 14th century icons. Of particular interest is the icon from the Cretan School which represents Christ’s body being carried down from the cross, as well as several paintings by Antoinio Skordilis. Chalices, iconostases, a bishop’s throne from the 17th century and much more provide interesting displays.

The Ecomuseum at Ano Meria, Folegandros, was opened in the summer of 1988. It presents the way of life of a rural homestead in days gone by and its form is best understood by briefly describing its spatial, social and economic context, divorced from the historic past of the island which, in general terms, was much the same as that of the other nearby islands of the Lesser Cyclades. Throughout all periods Folegandros was of marginal importance, a non-participant in the political and cultural developments of Hellenism, a tiny insignificant island lost among the waves of the Aegean. This was largely due to its isolated location and the configuration of its terrain.

If you’re in Efpalio, you can visit the folk art or popular art museum which reflects the works and handicrafts of the people of this area.

Throughout the Louros River Valley in the southern area of the region, there are several preserved inns dating back to when the area was frequently travelled through by caravans and horse-drawn carriages. The most famous of all is the Emin Aga Inn, which acted as the headquarters of the Greek army stationed throughout Epirus during the fight for the liberation of northern Greece from the Turks. After nearly two years of fighting, the Turkish troops surrendered and signed a treaty here, and in 1913, the Greek army liberated Ioannina. The Inn stands near the banks of the Louros River west of the village Melia and today houses the War of 1912-1913 museum.

Copperware and ceramic exhibits from the last 200 years, when the craftsmen from Constantinople were considered to be the best. Handmade pottery from the local region is a wonderful example of the artisans of the day from Xanthi.

The Folk and Historic Museum of Milos reveals many different aspects of the locals’ lives, including food, entertainment, traditions and clothing. The main room covers the economic and social aspect of families, while the loom room is where the family members’ clothes were made. There were no individual bedrooms, except one reserved for a married couple. The kitchen doubled as a store room, so did the winepress room.

Krioneri is a village sited on the beautiful plateau of Nevropoli next to Lake Plastira. The village has a Folk and Historical Museum for those interested in learning more about its history. Exhibits include artefacts from its history.

Leontito in the Athamanon region, surrounded by fir forest and fruit trees, lies at an altitude of 1,000 meters and is 40 km from Mouzaki. The remodelled Public School Building at the village centre is today used as a Library and Folk Art Museum.

The Folk Art Museum is housed in one of the more venerable buildings in the famed Skagiopouleio neighbourhood known for its wartime orphanage. Embark on a trip into Greek city and country life of decades past, with a vigorous mix of folkloric items that unveil a totally different era in this part of the world.

In Moschato which lies in the Plastiras municipality, there is a folk museum of local renown.

Loutro is an old village of Menelaides Township located 20 km from Karditsa at an altitude of 247 metres. The Community Centre of Loutro contains an exhibition hall and museum of local antiques and traditional tools.

In the community of Manari (Mantineia), this little museum exhibits textiles, local costumes, tools and other traditional paraphernalia like an old curiosity shop. It has been operating since 1974.

Moloha has a Folk Museum open all year round that displays antique artefacts and tools.

In the renovated old primary school of Partheni there is a folk museum that has tools and items used in the not-too-distant past by the locals. It includes objects and tools of everyday life such us woven embroidery, jewellery, local costumes, agricultural tools, and decorative items for the house. There are also documents and letters with texts about the traditions and history of the area.

Right on the village square in an old house lies this folk museum housing. The museum is divided into two sections. In the first there are traditional items of daily use and tools, reflecting also the agricultural life of local families in the recent past. Old household items and traditional paraphernalia are on display. In the second part there are ecclesiastical utensils, pictures of candles and samples of the military equipment of the Greek Revolutionary Fighters of 1821.

There’s an interesting folk museum in Portitsa near Mitropoli that has exhibits of traditional tools and handicrafts.

At this museum visitors can revisit the way of life of Samos residents leading up to WWII. The museum is separated into thematic units presenting the professions held in that era, professions such as those of the shepard, fisherman, cobbler, and most importantly for the island, the farmer and agricultural work.Parallel to this exhibition the visitor has the chance to explore the Monokamaro (one room) traditional home and see how people on the island experienced their daily life. Traditional handicrafts, men’s and women’s costumes, baby clothes and cribs and other household furniture and decor items are all included among the valuable and telling exhibits.

Housed in an impressive 19th Century mansion that belonged to Panayiotis Galatsopoulos, the museum, founded in 1992, is located in Kolindros’ historical center. Visitors can look at a collection of photographs, texts and objects related to the cultural and folklore traditions of Kolindros and the wider Macedonian region throughout the ages. Rare objects, hand-written books, household items, educational texts and handicrafts are shown here, revealing interesting aspects of the locals’ social and family life.

Recent history and ancient history come together in this tiny museum right in the center of the village of Arkasa. It holds archeological finds from the acropolis of Arkasa and the Church of Agia Anastasia (today the Church of Agia Sophia).

Here’s an original museum for bread lovers. The Folklore Bread Museum located in Amfikleia will surprise you with shapes, types and sizes of different breads.

This Institution has focused on the research, study and preservation of Peloponnesian culture – as well as Greek culture overall. Research results and scientific conclusions relating to culture are revealed at the institution.

In the village of Komi in the middle of the island, there is a cultural museum that delves into the culture of the area.

Learn about the area’s past through the items and articles on display at this modest local museum and show your interest in the area by paying tribute to the efforts of the locals to set up this modest museum.

Housed in the former cultural centre of the island, the Folklore Museum of Agios Kyrikos showcases a large collection of noteworthy objects, such as traditional costumes, textiles and various every day items which bring the island’s cultural tradition back to life, both for visitors and Ikaria’s younger generations.

This small Museum of Agios Polikarpou is located in the eponymous village within the area of Raches. It includes a small selection of important, cultural artefacts.

Found at the entrance to the little ‘isand’ in a stone-build little building that was once an olive mill, it houses objects, tools and clothes that formed part of everyday life in Aitoliko over the last two centuries.

Discover some 4000 objects and artefacts related to the life on the mountains around Olympia. From tools used for traditional crafts to heirlooms and manuscripts, learn about recent history in these parts, including wars.

This museum showcases silverwork, woodwork, embroidery, furniture, tools and more from the early 19th century to the 20th century. See male & female costumes from different parts of Greece, plus a library with books from the 17th-19th centuries.

This museum has salvaged and recovered numerous objects that have to do with the customs and traditions of the region. In conjunction with the Women’s Association in Lamia, the museum houses tools, costumes, embroidery, utensils and many other items that are part of rural life in Central Greece. Get ready for a vast collection of embroidery, textiles, utensils, costumes and a variety of tools, as well as magazines, newspapers and archives from Lamia. See what Greek life was like in the not-too-distant past.

Housed in a restored Venetian fortification, Halkida’s Folklore Museum offers visitors a chance to see what country and city life was like long ago.

This beautiful museum housed in a traditional Lefkadan home honors the creativity and vitality of Maria Standraka and her unique Karsaniko embroidery style. She created this stitch after a terrible accident that paralyzed her hand, and in this museum you’ll be able to admire embroidery created by her. You’ll also be introduced to household items and the Lefkadan layout.

In the centre of Karystos, a restored family mansion which belonged to the Moskhona family houses a wide range of items dating back decades ago. The items were donated by H. B. Deligiorgi and include traditional costumes and clothing, tapestries, antique furniture, farming tools and a large number of old photographs.

Ever wonder what tools were needed in now-extinct professions? This unique folklore museum boasts a variety of artifacts relating to occupations no longer being practiced in Lefkada, including tools used by copper-workers and cobblers. You’ll also be able to admire a traditional Lefkadan home with furniture.

Housed in a three-storey neoclassical building in the centre of town, Kymi’s Folklore museum has been characterised as one of the best museums of its kind throughout Greece.

This is a delightful village and its modest museum hosts all sorts of oddities that mirror the life of the local populace over the years. A side trip to the Folklore Museum will put you right in the ambiance of the village where time stood still.

Here’s a good array of tools and objects of everyday life, including looms, guns, musical instruments, books, lamps, costumes, weights and other odd stuff that have mostly been left behind by modern society. In this village, however, they seem perfectly in place and offer a moving experience of life as we once knew it.

Take a step back in time on entering the Folklore Museum of Psachna located within a restored building in the centre of Psachna.

The museum has a permanent exhibit of traditional costumes, buckles, belts and jewelry as well as folklore artefacts.

The Pontian Union, founded in 1928, created this museum in 1990 to exhibit approximately 600 items of cultural, social, folklore and historical resonance. Among the items on display presenting the Pontian way of life are traditional costumes, household objects, rooms decorated with Pontian furnishings and decor items, photographs, weavings, and handicrafts. The impressive collection is permanently housed on the second floor of the Pieria Pontian Union building in the center of Katerini, behind the municipal park.

In the municipality of Domokos there is the modest Folklore Museum of Vouzio that sheds light on traditions and customs of the area.

The Folklore Museum of Vrakadon can be found in the northwestern area of the island known as Raches, in the village of Vrakades.It was founded by Ikarian scholars from Athens and displays the history and heritage of the island via a wide variety of traditional household wares, as well as old agricultural and bee-keeping tools. Visitors can also examine original documents dating back to the revolutionary period, as well as impressive objects from the church of Profitis Ilias in Vrakades, as well as the Monastery of Evangelismos in Mavrianos. Those wanting to visit the museum need to contact the museum’s board ahead of time.

The Elatochori Folklore Museum is housed in a hall within the Cultural Center, showing through its exhibition a variety of objects representing the daily life of residents during the old times. It is organized according to different aspects of this theme, displaying household items, functional objects, tools, precious family heirlooms that were donated to the museum and more.

The attractive village of Menetes not far from Pigadia unveils a range of household and agricultural paraphernalia, including traditional machines built by old ironmongers and carpenters.

Created in 2010 by members of the Nea Karion Women’s Association, the Folklore Museum presents aspects of the village’s cultural and social life over the past two centuries. Household items, handicrafts, agricultural tools, religious statues and traditional costumes all grace the exhibition space, while the museum also displays a photo exhibition and paintiungs by Dinos Giotopoulos.

Another tiny museum that is magical in a way, combining mosaic floors with hand embroidered material, woodwork, rugs, furniture, traditional art and household objects. Kids will love it too!

Located in Agrinio and established by the prefecture’s Women’s Association, the museum covers everything 100 years between 1921-1920. This is a more cultural folklore museum covering local city life as well, touching on currency, philology, religious artefacts, history, local handicrafts and farming.

Once an old ice making shop, this museum proudly presents the folklore of the island, feature silver artisan work, miniature wooden churches of the island and hagiography (the study of saints with a byzantine twist).

Local traditions and customs can be understood at this museum, hosted in a delightful classical building. Get a feel of the island’s history through its household utensils, precious minerals and many curious objects. Behind the museum likes an open theatre that hosts cultural events.

The family run museum educates visitors on Mount Olympus’s history in terms of its geological evolution. Exhibition items include rocks and minerals sourced from Mount Olympus and fossils from the neighboring area, while also showcasing the flora and fauna of Mt Olympus. Visitors can also explore the sky above Leptokarya through the museum’s telescope.

In Anavryti within the municipality of Mystras, there is a neo-classical building (once the area’s Primary School) which is home to a geological museum featuring a photographic exhibition of Taygetos’ local flora, as well as geological curiosities and rocks. If you are a nature lover, this museum is for you!

The geological museum of Apiranthos sheds light on the geological richness of the island.

This 3-storey museum in Serres proper highlights traditional dances and musical instruments, while the second floor has a representation of a typical reception hall from a Vlach home, with furniture and hand embroidery.

Lesvos boasts one of the few digital art museums in Europe, so take some time and explore this one-of-a-kind exhibition. Not only will you be able to admire great works of art lit in a way that lets you see colors as vividly as they appeared when first painted, but the Museum also houses original art by Iakovidis himself, who is Greece’s most famous artist.

An amazing collection of art from the Cyclades islands, from as far back as the 3rd millennium BC. Bronze Age, Minoan, Mycenaean, Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic art is represented through artefacts, figures, ceramics and more.

Discover works of Modern Greek artists (Fasianos, Kounelis, Manolidis, Pavlos Psychopaidis, Tsoklis, etc.) as well as important foreign artists (Cesar, Richier, Rodin, etc.). The summer sees vibrant temporary exhibitions of great artists such as Balthus, de Chirico, Giagometti, Kandinsky and others.

Grammatiko is a village on the plains of Thessaly within the Municipality of Tamasi. It is 32 kilometres from Karditsa and just 9 km from Leontari. There is an impressive folk art museum in the Community Centre.

This one-of-a-kind museum is unique in Greece and features antique gramophones, the island’s first radio, old records and antique cameras. Copies of the first issue of The Ionian newspaper can also be viewed.

Book collections, artisanal objects, folk are and more grace the floors of this museum. If you’re in Granitsa, take a peek into the past by visiting this place and see how different life was here compared practically to anywhere else.

In the village of Gravia, the Gravia Inn has become a museum that shows how the Greeks succeeded in their revolution against Ottoman occupation. There are also graves of World War I soldiers in the town.

This museum is devoted to the study of the history and peoples of the entire Balkan peninsula (called Aemos in ancient times). A private museum opened in 1998, on show are a wide range of decorative objects, jewelry, instruments, religious icons and vestments, military uniforms and weapons and traditional costumes.

Zagora is known for its silk and textiles, which merchants sent out on ‘Zagoras ships’ across the Mediterranean and Black Sea. The village has great mansions and the Hellinomouseion building founded in 1702, an old school of language, science, philosophy, etc. Noteworthy too is the Public Library of Zagora.

In terms of artefacts, this is one of the world’s great museums, though at the time of writing, it’s housed in a temporary building which is far too small to display the richness of Crete’s extraodinary past.

Can be found next to the Loggia and opposite the Morosini fountain. Housed in the old Basilica of Saint Mark (see landmarks) Cretan artists’ – such as: Christos Sarakatsianos, Maria Fiorakis and George Manousakis – works are displayed here.

This museum houses objects from the Balkan, First and Second World Wars. A gallery featuring oil and water paintings of war ships done by well-known artists can be found on the first floor.

Enjoy exhibits pertaining to rural life and traditions, from weaving and farming to art and pottery. There are even examples of bookbinding and presswork, in addition to a replica of a traditional coffee shop and pre-industrial life.

Housed in the Zoulia mansion, the museum presents artefacts on the economic and cultural development of the area from 1900 and to the mid 20th century.

The old factory in Maglara features a watermill, flour mill and cotton gin. Locals used to wash their woven carpets there as well. The museum now displays tools and household objects from yesteryear, used for weaving, farming, etc. One room shows the works of writer and historian Takis Lappas who hails from Livadia.

Housed in a beautifully restored neoclassical mansion dating back to 1880, this collection is a living monument to Limni’s past. The dwelling is decorated with antique furniture and appears as a sort of time machine into the past, featuring everyday items from centuries before.

Another wonderful museum packed with interesting costumes, tapestries. looms, etc, along with lacework from Anoghia, and examples of basket-weaving from Myxorrouma near Spili, where this traditional art is still practiced. Closed Sundays and winter.

If you want to get a feel of what village life was like in Corfu, stroll through this museum. You’ll find a replica of a village homestead, as well as agricultural equipment, traditional Corfiot costumes and examples of Corfu’s ceramic objects.

Founded in 1953, this Museum includes amongst its wealth of Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman displays, the only painting in Crete of its favourite son, Domenicos Theotokopoulos (or El Greco), called, “View of Mount Sinai and the Monastery”.

This museum exhibits pieces mainly from the sacred temple of Dios in Olympia. The most important ones are gold seal-rings depicting the Olympic Games, bronze and terracotta geometric warriors and much more. Among the museum’s collection are chariot idols from Olympia symbolizing the harness racing, objects used by the athletes or related to the Games. Also important are the inscriptions on the bases of the statues of athletes, the stone and bronze signs, the bronze statuettes of athletes as well as the pottery with drawings of the athletes during the Games.

This museum features rare editions of books, newspapers as far back as 1875, historic magazines and valuable documents. The latter includes the first address of the 3rd National Assembly of the Greeks, sent in 1827 to Ioannis Kapodistrias, the country’s prime minister, just as Patras was gaining its independence.

This museum is found in on old stone house built in a traditional style. It is accessible from the village of Chrissovitsi.

This stunning 19thC mansion survived the earthquake and stands proud, a testament to Kefallonia’s past. Explore the beautiful library with unique Fatnomata features in the ceiling and wander through the museum to admire antiques, rare Byzantine icons and many illuminated manuscripts.

Ierapetra was an incredibly important site, especially during the Hellenistic and Roman periods (323 BC to 395AD), and this museum reflects that. It also has a rather impressive array of Minoan and post-Minoan artefacts as well, including a clay burial chest, known as a larnax, figures and vases dating back to the 8th and 9th centuries BC, and some rather impressive statues. There is also the obligatory coin collection, which is as impressive as you’d expect given that Ierapetra is known to have minted 44 different coins

The art of jewellery at its best over 4000 years. Located at the foot of the Acropolis, it has jewellery inspired by byzantine, Greek, European, American and Asian art, as well as nature and science. The building is historic too and a walk from the Acropolis Metro.

Reflecting the successful commercial history of the island, the Industrial Museum is comprised of three separate buildings (previously Aneroussis lead factory, Kornilakis tannery and Katsimantis paintworks) within the Technical Cultural Centre, right in the Ermoupolis’ industrial zone. A relic from the Greek industrial revolution if ever there was one, this museum houses equipment and machinery related to textile, tannery, food processing and ship building among others, emphasizing the island’s commercial success in its hay days.

Learn more about the lesser kestrel! An information centre about this wondrous bird funded by the EU LIFE programme (LIFE+ 11 ΝΑΤ/GR/001011) was established beside the local high school in the village of Kanalia, not far from Lake Karla.

This living museum is a tribute to the herbal remedies discovered and administered by Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine and a native of Kos. Sprawling gardens feature natural herbs to treat everything from colds to mental health problems. Rare species can also be found here. Take a tour of the museum featuring busts of Hippocrates and important texts from the 17thC.

This museum in a neoclassical building features an exhibition about Jewish neighbourhoods that once dotted Greece and their communities. There used to be a formidable presence of Judaism in the country, particularly in Northern Greece, that was sadly persecuted by occupying forces during WWII.

Visit the estate that belongs to the family of Ioanni Kapodistria, Greece’s first Prime Minister. Kapodistria’s personal items are on display here.

Founded in 1994, the museum hosts items from the year 1870 until the mid 1900s that present agricultural as well as urban life in Karlovassi. Visitors can see a variety of objects that represent the town’s culture and way of life such as farm tools, a weaving loom, valuable porcelain items, skillfully carved mirrors, embellished furniture and elegant garments once worn by the city’s most prestigious ladies.

The museum pays tribute to Konstantinos Tsatsos, who was a respected Greek diplomat, scholar and professor of law. He was president of Greece from 1975 to 1980. Old maps and other paraphernalia can be seen at this museum.

Get an in-depth look on the history and mystery of southern Evia’s Drakospita as well as its numerous plant and animal species at the Centre for Environmental Awareness between the villages of Kalyvia and Nikasi just north of Karystos.

First editions of Nikos Kazantzakis’ works can be found here, along with newspaper reviews of his books, andsome of his personal belongings. Well worth visiting if you’re a fan of Greece’s most famous novelist.

Located in the two-storey home of folklorist Kitsos Makris, the center displays his folklore collection, a library with 4,000 volumes of books and his archive, and a collection of 2,500 slides and 4,000 photographs, many of which illustrate treasures of folk tradition that cannot be found in the present day. The museum belongs to the University of Thessaly since 1989.
Visiting hours: 09:00 – 14:00 (closed on weekends).

At an altitude of 350 metres and 14 km from Karditsa, the picturesque village of Kanalia is found on the foothills of the Agrafon Mountains is home to the folk artist Kitsos Makris who founded a museum 1979. The museum also displays an interesting array of farm and household tools and a photographic library.

Once a soft-drink manufacturing and bottling company, the factories now house exhibitions featuring household objects, manuscripts, old photos as well as machines and contraptions from the Kliafa factories’ history. Another gallery houses an antique printing press and old issues of Trikala’s newspapers. Admire one of the most extensive collections of soft drink bottle caps and labels from all over the world and a beautiful Children’s library.