See Also
- Top Hotels in Santorini
- Top Eating places in Santorini
- Best Hotels for Families in Orlando
- Travel guide covering Santorini
Website: https://tapiocwraps.com/
Naval Maritime Museum
Founded in 1956 by captain Antonis Dakoronias and located in the scenic town of Oia on the northwest coast of the island, this museum exhibits his personal collection of nautical items. Since 1990, it has been housed in a restored 19th-century traditional captain’s mansion donated by a local resident, Dina Manolessou-Birbili.
Among the exhibits on display are rare ship figureheads, anchors, handcrafted nautical chests, old maritime equipment, scale models and watercolor paintings of historical and modern vessels, uniforms, and various tools used in past eras. The engaging collection also features uncommon manuscripts, books, maps, charters, marriage contracts, seafarers` wills, logbooks, photographs of family and crew, and portraits of local captains.
The development of the Hellenic Merchant Marine occurred around the middle portion of the 18th century. Following the Greek Revolution of Independence in 1821, the Merchant Navy became the Revolutionary Naval Force. By 1850, nautical commercial activity in Santorini (known then as Thira) had increased more than any other island’s in Greece. The island reached its peak of affluence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Shipping various goods from its volcanic lands, multiple vessels transported Santorini’s renowned wine and pumice stones from Alexandria to Russia and throughout the Eastern Mediterranean, returning with items like grains, cherry tomatoes, porcelain, cotton, fabrics, and timber.
This two-floor museum has a well-planned layout that is easy to navigate, featuring thoroughly researched descriptions available in English. It is situated right beside the main walking path in Oia. Signs directing visitors to the museum can be found at the start of a small walking route between the Thalassia restaurant and Greek Designers-Speira Concept Store.
Naval Maritime Museum Hours and Information
- Season: Open from early April to late October.
- Hours: Open daily 10am to 2pm and 5pm to 8pm. Closed Tuesdays.
- Website: santorini.com
- Area: Fira, Santorini 847 00
- Telephone: +30 228 607 1156
- Admission Fee: General admission is €5. Students pay €2.5. Special rates are available for groups.
- Parking: Free public parking availabe off the main road into Oia. During peak season, finding parking is challenging due to the large number of tourists and vehicles.
- Bus: The main bus stop was just off the main road entering Oia. The museum was about a 750m walk from there.
- Transfers: Hotels can arrange transfers and pickups into Oia.
Naval Maritime Museum
