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This insightful and well-structured museum provides insight into Santorini`s rich history and ancient civilizations. It houses art and artifacts from excavations of the ancient village of Akrotiri, a Cycladic Bronze Age settlement, as well as the ancient settlement of Potamos in southeast Crete. Akrotiri, on Santorini`s southwest tip, was destroyed in a 16th-century BC volcanic eruption that occurred after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck the nearby island of Amorgos, and was buried in ash. The volcanic ash preserved what remained of the frescoes, numerous objects, and artwork.
The exhibition is arranged on a single floor covering four regions: The geological ancient Thera (Fira), Santorini`s history from the late Neolithic period (early 17th century), the peak of Akrotiri society in the 17th century, and facets of Akrotiri society which incorporate the colony’s emerging bureaucratic system, the organization of architecture and urban planning as an urban center, the rich and diverse pottery assortment, the influences of vase and wall painting, elegant jewelry worn by the citizens, and the intricate network of contacts outside Akrotiri and the island linking the city and islands.
It sits on the main road in Fira, 70m from Lucky’s Souvlaki, 80m from the main bus terminal, and about 120m from the main square in Fira.
Museum of Prehistoric Thera Hours and Information
- Schedule: Closed during the winter months (beginning of November to end of March). Also closed on Good Friday and Holy Spirit Day.
- Hours: April 1 to October 31 – Open daily from 8:30am to 3:30pm. Closed on Tuesdays.
- Website: odysseus.culture.gr
- Area: Fira, Santorini 847 00
- Telephone: +30 228 602 3217
- Admission Cost: €6. Combined ticket at €15 per person incorporates single admission to the archaeological site of Akrotiri,archaeological site of Ancient Thera in Kamari, and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera. Valid for 3 days.
- Free admission: 6 March (honoring Melina Mercouri) • 18 April (International Monuments Day) • 18 May (International Museums Day) • The final weekend in September (European Heritage Days) • National holidays
- Parking: Multiple free parking lots less than 5 minutes away. One is right opposite the museum.
- Bus: The primary bus terminal in Fira is nearby.
- Cable Car: A 7-minute walk (600m) from the Fira cable car station.
Museum of Prehistoric Thera
