The Archaeological Museum of Apiranthos

Welcome to Apiranthos, a village of unique character perched high in the mountains of Naxos. As we stand at the entrance to the Archaeological Museum, we are at the center of a community that has served as a bastion against…

We begin in the gallery dedicated to Early Cycladic figurines, perhaps the most recognizable artifacts of ancient Greek art. These minimalist, geometric sculptures, carved from the abundant white marble of Naxos, represent a…

One of the most unique and enigmatic collections in this museum consists of the small stone plaques featuring 'peltasts' or pecked-out rock art. These flat pieces of stone, mostly found in the area of Korphi t’ Aroniou, are…

As we move into the next section, we encounter the pottery collection, which ranges from small 'frying pan' vessels to massive 'pithoi' or storage jars. The 'frying pans'—so named for their shape, though their actual function…

The transition from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age was marked by a revolution in technology, and this gallery showcases the tools that made that change possible. You will see bronze daggers, chisels, and needles, along with the…

In this final interior gallery, we examine objects that give us a glimpse into the spiritual life of ancient Apiranthos. These include small stone vessels, known as 'kandilas,' and zoomorphic figurines depicting animals like…

Stepping out into the museum's courtyard, we are reminded of the village's identity as a 'bastion against pirates and Ottomans.' From this vantage point, we can see the heavy stone walls and the narrow, winding streets of…

Our journey through the Archaeological Museum of Apiranthos concludes here, amidst the marble and history of one of Naxos' most remarkable villages. We have seen how the 'first light' of Cycladic civilization manifested in the…