A Wealth of History and Tradition
Deep Diving into Santorini's Culture: A tour of its best museums
Santorini might be known for its stunning views, one-of-a-kind beaches and all the relaxing activities one can expect from an island vacation, but what you may not know is that it also has a wealth of history and tradition. From archaeological excavations at Akrotiri and Ancient Thira, to Cycladic sculptures and artifacts, to fossils, to the fascinating history of Santorini’s most famous exports, the island is a culture fiend’s heaven. If you’re one of them and looking to add a kick of culture to your trip, here are some museums we have selected for you:
Museum of Prehistoric Thira
A four-unit exhibition of ceramics, sculptures, jewelry, the world-famous Minoan frescoes, and ritual objects from an era long gone is what awaits you at the Museum of Prehistoric Thira at Fira. Take a walk through Santorini’s past and learn all about its history from the Late Neolithic to the Late Cycladic period.
Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum of Santorini is home to impressive collections of sculptures and inscriptions dating from the Archaic to the Roman period. The visitor can admire ceramic vessels and vases that date back to the Geometric and the Hellenistic era as well as a series of marble figurines.
Folklore Museum
Found in Kontochori, in a cave-house built many decades ago, the heart of Santorini’s folk tradition is alive. One of the buildings that survived the earthquake of 1956, the house was restored in 1973 with antique furniture and family heirlooms, painting a vibrant picture of Santorini’s past and its inhabitants’ way of living.
Megaro Gyzi
Megaro Gyzi is a picturesque 17th century old family mansion, exceptionally beautiful and architecturally unique. It is also the home of Fira’s Cultural Center with six permanent collections of authentic engravings, a library of old historical manuscripts, paintings of Santorini and old photographs of the island and its scenic routes.
Maritime Museum
Located in the north of Santorini in gorgeous Oia, the Maritime Museum of Santorini is housed in an elegant captain’s mansion and showcases nautical instruments, shipping documents, aquarelles, parts of ships, as well as a small library.
Tomato industrial museum
The humble tomato is an integral part of Santorini’s cuisine and by extension, of its way of living, and it has a museum dedicated to it. Housed in Vlychada, in a former tomato factory, this museum takes its visitors on a journey to Santorini’s past, offering a glimpse of the island’s daily living. Complementary snacks are offered to all visitors (tomato paste and olive oil on bread) for those who like their culture with a bit of carb on the side.
Koutsoyannopoulos Wine Museum
Continuing on the vein of museums dedicated to Santorini’s most famous products, Koutsoyannopoulos Wine Museum promises to teach its visitors all the ins and outs of winemaking. The museum’s tours take place in a scenic backdrop of a cave eight meters below ground and before you ask, yes, you can participate in grape stomping.
