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Santorini Museums |
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Museum of Prehistoric Thera |
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The
Prehistoric Museum is located in Fira and has an extensive
collection of ancient relics from digs in Akrotiri and Ancient
Thira, including ceramic objects, marble idols, grave vessels,
bronzes, furniture, household objects, weapons, plant fossils,
jewelry and a beautiful golden idol of a wild goat. |
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Akrotiri Excavations |
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The
Archaeological Site of Akrotiri, located in southern Santorini, is
considered one of the most significant ancient sites in Greece. It
was discovered in 1866, but its further excavation and study was
undertaken by Dr. Spyridon Marinatos in 1967. He continued his
work until his death in 1974, due to an accident on the Akrotiri
Site, where he was also buried.
Based on archaeological findings, Akrotiri was inhabited from the
Post Neolithic Era (4th millennium BC). The settlement grew larger
in the Early Bronze Age (3rd millennium BC) and by the Mid and
Post Bronze Age (20th – 17th century BC) it had developed into an
important city and port of the Aegean Sea region.
The city of Akrotiri was closely associated with the Minoan
civilization in Crete, a fact that is apparent in the architecture
and wall paintings of the settlement. On the 200 acre site, there
are three-storey buildings, remains of a very sophisticated
drainage system, a mill, storage rooms, staircases and pithi
(ceramic storage jars). The houses were decorated with beautiful
frescos, many of which are on display in the National
Archaeological Museum in Athens. The entire site has been
preserved by the lava and volcanic ash that spewed from the
volcano in 1550 – 1500 BC.
According to Dr. Marinatos’ theory published in the 1930’s,
Akrotiri is quite possibly connected with the legend of the Lost
Continent of Atlantis. As he explained, the disappearance of
Atlantis may be related to the eruption of the volcano and the
fall of the Minoan civilization in Crete.
What actually happened to the inhabitants of Akrotiri is a
mystery. We know that they left the settlement, because no sign of
life was found on the site. Possibly they had enough warning to
leave the city in time before the volcano erupted, but it is not
clear whether they escaped or if they were drowned by the tidal
waves that were a result of the tremendous eruption of Santorini’s
volcano.
Excavations are ongoing, while the only additions that have been
made to the site are wooden beams and cement to support the
structures. At present, a bioclimatic shelter is being constructed
to protect this jewel of Ancient Greece.
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The
Archaeological Museum |
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The
archaeological museum is located in the island’s capital, Fira, on
the main road. The long history of Santorini is represented by the
many items found in the different excavations.
The museum exhibits a collection of Hellenistic and Roman
sculpture (from the Archaic to the Roman period) and vases and
clay figurines (dating from the Geometric to the Hellenistic
periods). |
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The
Naval Museum |
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The
Naval Museum of Santorini is located in the famous village of Oia,
in the north of Santorini.
The museum exhibits many items from the maritime life of the area,
items that trace the maritime history of the island. The museum
also features a small library and the vestiges of a Venetian
fortress. |
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The
Folklore Museum |
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The
Folklore Museum of Santorini is located in Kontohori, Fira, in a
traditional cave house constructed in 1861.
The museum has many interesting items to see, including barrel and
shoe making equipment, a traditional winery and the work of local
artists. |
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The
Bellonio Cultural Centre and Library |
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The
Bellonio Cultural Centre is located in the island’s capital, Fira,
and houses an interesting collection of books about Santorini. |
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The
Gyzi Megaron |
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The
Megaron Gyzi is a museum located in Fira, in the catholic
neighbourhood, behind the Catholic Cathedral.
It is one of the most interesting Santorini museums and exhibits
engravings from the 16th all through the 19th century as well as
interesting photographs of the area before and after the
earthquake of 1956. |
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Santorini Wine Museum |
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The museum is located in the village of Messaria and offers many
information about the wine traditions of Santorini.
www.volcanwines.gr |
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