Museum of Volos

Museum of Volos

Exploring the Past at the Archaeological Museum of Volos

The Archaeological Museum of Volos is a true treasure trove of history. Known locally as the Athanasakeion Archaeological Museum, this museum takes you on a journey through time, from the very earliest days of civilization in the area to the Byzantine period. Each exhibit tells a story about the people who once lived in Thessaly, the region surrounding Volos, and offers a glimpse into their everyday lives, beliefs, and creativity.

What You’ll Discover Inside

Walking through the museum, you’ll find an incredible collection of artifacts, each carefully preserved to help us understand more about the past. Here’s a look at some of the amazing things you can see:

Neolithic Treasures

The Neolithic period, a time over 6,000 years ago, comes to life in the museum. People in ancient Thessaly were skilled in making tools and everyday items, and you can see many of these, including jewelry, pottery, household items, and farming tools. These objects were discovered in two nearby ancient villages, Dimini and Sesklo, where people lived in simple homes and farmed the land. It’s fascinating to imagine how they lived, using these very items.

Tales of Heroes: The Geometric Period

The Geometric period was a time of myths and heroic tales, including the Argonaut Expedition and the Trojan War. The museum has artifacts from this era, such as clay figurines and other beautifully decorated objects. These pieces give a peek into the creative minds of the people, as they celebrated their legends and honored their gods.

Classical Art and Unique Statuettes

As you move to the Classical period displays, you’ll find statues and special jointed figurines that show how Greek art evolved. These statues are elegant and lifelike, showing how skilled artists were becoming at capturing the human form. Some of the figurines even have movable parts, something rare in ancient art.

Colorful Hellenistic Steles

The Hellenistic period exhibits are some of the most colorful in the museum. You’ll find steles (stone slabs) with beautiful, well-preserved carvings and even traces of original colors. These steles often served as gravestones or monuments and show the high level of craftsmanship and artistry of the time.

Early Christian and Byzantine Art

As the tour continues, the museum moves into Early Christian and Byzantine periods. Here, you can see beautiful carvings that tell stories of faith and daily life during these times. These pieces help show how art adapted and changed with new religious influences in Greece.

Ancient Tombs: A Window into the Afterlife

One of the most unique exhibits is the reconstructed ancient tombs. These tombs were brought to the museum from their original sites, complete with human skeletons and the offerings that were left with them—objects like jewelry and pottery. Standing in front of these tombs, it’s easy to feel a connection to the past and wonder about the lives of those who are now part of history.

Step Outside to the Past

Just outside the museum, you can find reconstructions of Neolithic houses from Dimini and Sesklo. These outdoor exhibits give a more personal look at what daily life was like for some of the earliest communities in Greece. Stepping into these simple homes, you get a sense of the closeness of the community and how they might have spent their days working, cooking, and caring for their families.

Why Visit the Archaeological Museum of Volos?

The Archaeological Museum of Volos is more than just a collection of artifacts—it’s a chance to connect with people from thousands of years ago and to see how human life has changed and evolved. Each exhibit gives a new perspective on history and culture, making it a perfect stop for anyone curious about the ancient world. Whether you’re an archaeology fan or just looking for a unique experience, this museum has something special for everyone.

So, if you find yourself in Volos, make sure to visit this incredible museum. You’ll walk away with a new appreciation for the rich history of Thessaly and the fascinating stories it holds.

Category: Trips , General
Interest: Ancient Greece
October 08, 2021