επικοινωνία

Archaeological Museum of Sparta

+30 27310 28575 Λυκούργου, Αγίου Νίκωνος &, Σπάρτη
Description

The First Provincial "Fortress" of Greek Archaeology with the Ritual Masks and the Aged Hoplite

The Archaeological Museum of Sparta is one of the most historical and timeless cultural monuments of the entire Laconia. It is located in the heart of the Peloponnese, occupying an extremely privileged location in the center of modern Sparta. It is housed in an emblematic neoclassical building surrounded by a lush garden, and its great advantage is that it is the first Greek archaeological museum built in a provincial city (1874–1876). It was designed by the architect G. Katsaros (while the original design is attributed to the famous Theophilos Hansen) to preserve and highlight the invaluable heritage of ancient Lacedaemon.
  • Type of fortification:An authentic spiritual “fortification” of Spartan history, which is developed in 7 halls. The museum functions as a custodian of memory, “shielding” thousands of findings covering the period from the Neolithic to the late Roman era. Among the exhibits protected here, the famous clay ritual masks (7th–6th century BC) from the Sanctuary of Artemis Orthia, which were used in religious events, stand out.
  • Suitable for: Families, students, lovers of classical antiquity, historians and travelers who wish to come face to face with the myth of ancient Sparta. The space is renowned for the construction and artistic ingenuity of its exhibits. The absolute hallmark of the museum is the world-famous marble statue of a Spartan hoplite (5th century BC), which has been identified in the popular consciousness with King Leonidas himself.
  • Infrastructure: Exemplarily organized by the Ephorate of Antiquities of Laconia of the Ministry of Culture. It has a shop with publications and souvenirs, accessibility for people with disabilities (elevator and ramp), while in its courtyard garden impressive Roman mosaic floors, altars and architectural members are exhibited. It is worth noting that it is on a path of modernization and expansion, while at the same time the creation of the New Archaeological Museum of Sparta in an old industrial property has been launched.
  • Access: Very easy, fast and direct, at 71 Ossiou Nikonos Street. As the building dominates the urban fabric of Sparta, the approach from the city's central square is easy on foot within a few minutes. The journey by car from Tripoli takes approximately 45 minutes via the modern motorway, while free parking spaces are available in the wider area around the museum.
Information