Naxos Archaeological Museum
Route to the museum in Naxos Castle. Photo
Howard Chalkley.
Cycladic figurines from c.2500 BC. These examples are on display in the Getty Museum (Los Angeles). Photo
J Brew.
Location map and aerial view of Naxos Archaeological Museum. For a larger interactive view, see our Naxos Island Map.
Located in the old castle of Naxos Town, the excellent Archaeological Museum of Naxos displays regional artifacts from the Late Neolithic period to the Early Christian era. It is especially renowned for its collection of ancient Cycladic figurines.
History
The museum building dates from between 1600 and 1800, when the island flourished under Frankish rule. It housed the Jesuit-run French Commercial School (opened 1627), where Nikos Kazantzakis (author of Zorba the Greek) was later a student. Since 1973, the building has housed the Naxos Archaeological Museum, which has rapidly filled up with artifacts excavated since World War II.
What to See
The artifacts displayed in the Naxos Archaeological Museum range in date from Late Neolithic period (5300 BC) to the Early Christian era (5th century AD). The collection is especially strong in Cycladic figurines dating from 3200 to 2300 BC.
Also notable is the collection of pottery and other artifacts from the Mycenaean (late 2nd millennium BC) and Geometric (9th-8th century BC) periods.
There are fine views from the terrace and balconies to the hills of Naxos.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Naxos Archaeological Museum |
| Location: | Naxos Island, Cyclades, Greece |
| Category: | Museums |
| Faith: | Museum |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 37.105474° N, 25.376809° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Website: | www.culture.gr/h/1/eh151.jsp?obj_id=3302 |
| Hours: | Tue–Sun 8:30am–3pm. Closed Mondays and March 25. |
| Cost: | €3 |
Travel Resources
- Naxos Island Map - our detailed interactive map of Naxos Island, plus hand-picked links to more
- Naxos Island Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, then book at the guaranteed lowest rate
- Naxos Island Hostels - reserve budget lodgings with no booking fees
- Naxos Island Restaurant Reviews - the best places to eat in town
- Naxos Island Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Naxos Island tourism
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- Archaeological Museum of Naxos - Hellenic Ministry of Culture
- Naxos: The Town - Rough Guide to Greece
- Bourgo/Kastro/Archaeological Museum/Venetian Museum - Frommer's Greece
Article last updated: 10/27/2009.
