At the very entrance to Limenas, the main town of Thassos, lies the Archaeological Museum of Thassos - an essential stop for all history and archaeology enthusiasts and those interested in the ancient times of our civilization. This museum is home to one of the most significant collections of ancient artifacts in northern Greece, with an exhibition that offers a unique insight into the life and culture of this island from prehistory to the Byzantine period.

What can you see in the Archaeological Museum of Thassos?

1. Wealth of marble and art in the open air

As soon as you enter the museum courtyard, you will be greeted by impressive marble objects: sarcophagi, altars, spindles, and unfinished sculptures, all testifying to the skills and scale of production in ancient Thassos. At the center of attention is the colorful mosaic from a Roman villa, placed in the center of the courtyard.

2. Iconic exhibits

-Kouros Carrying a Ram
Upon entering the museum, visitors are faced with one of its most striking exhibits. This is the 3.5-meter-tall Kouros holding a ram, hence known as “Kouros Carrying a Ram”. Kouros is a figure from ancient Greek sculpture depicting a young man in a standing position, with one foot in front of the other. These sculptures were popular in the Archaic period (7th and 6th centuries BCE) and symbolized physical strength and beauty. Kouroi were an important step in the development of realism in Greek art. This statue, dating back to the 6th century BCE, was discovered in 1911 on the island’s citadel, broken into 5 parts and embedded as building material in a wall.

-Sphinx
The statue of the Sphinx is a significant artifact with historical value. This statue likely dates back to the 6th century BCE, belonging to the Archaic period. The Sphinx, a mythological creature with the body of a lion and the head of a woman, was often used in ancient Greek art as a symbol of protection and strength. The statue from Limenas is a very significant exhibit of the museum, bridging Greek mythology and the artistic achievement of Thassos at that time. The Sphinx is believed to have been part of monumental architecture or monuments dedicated to the gods, and its design reflects the specific style of the Archaic artistic period, with clearly defined details and composition.

3. Journey through the prehistory of Thassos

The first part of the permanent exhibition takes you through the prehistory of the island, from the Paleolithic to the Iron Age. Particularly interesting are the stone, bone, and horn tools from the mines near Limenaria, as well as faithful reconstructions of a Late Bronze Age house and a family tomb from the settlement of Kastri Theologos.

4. Traces of ancient civilization

The exhibition includes objects from the first settlements of colonizers from Paros, along with replicas of reliefs that once adorned the sanctuary of Apollo. There are also elements of urban architecture, models of agora, inscriptions, and everyday objects reflecting the lives of ancient inhabitants.

5. Prominent periods of the Roman and Byzantine eras

Exhibits from the Roman period include portraits of prominent citizens and a statue of Emperor Hadrian, while the Byzantine section brings architectural elements of churches and objects adapted to the religious and political changes of the time.

Ancient Agora - an open-air site within the museum complex

The Ancient Agora in Thassos was the central point of the city of the same name. Here, the most important administrative and religious buildings were concentrated. It is a public square, surrounded on all four sides by arcades that form the facade of public complexes. In front of them are honorary and votive monuments. The center of the square is occupied by small temples, altars, and sanctuaries.

The earliest buildings identified in the area of the ancient Agora of Thassos date back to the 6th century BCE.

Today, parts of the arcade of the market and buildings of public or religious nature have been preserved, ruins of buildings discovered by excavations of the French archaeological school in the early 20th century.

While strolling through the port of Limenas with numerous ancient and modern landmarks, it is worth passing by and visiting the ancient Agora.

Where is the museum located and what are the working hours?

The Archaeological Museum of Thassos in Limenas is located in the heart of the city, on a street near the port. In close proximity to the museum is an open-air archaeological site.

Museum and Ancient Agora Opening Hours

Winter period (November 1, 2023 - March 31, 2024):
Open from Monday to Sunday, closed on Tuesdays.
Opening hours: 08:30 AM – 03:30 PM

Summer period (June 1, 2023 - October 31, 2023):
Open from Monday to Sunday, closed on Tuesdays.
Opening hours: 08:00 AM – 08:00 PM

Note:
The archaeological site of the Ancient Agora has the same opening hours as the museum.

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