Folklore Museum of Emmanuel A. Lignos

The museum was established in 1974 by Emmanuel A. Lignos, a lawyer, journalist, and editor of Theraic News. According to an inscription on the canvas wall, the museum is housed in a historic cave home that dates back to 1861.

Folklore Museum of Emmanuel A. Lignos

A historic setting

The museum is housed in a cave that survived the terrible earthquake that struck in 1956. A stunning collection of antique furniture, household artifacts, and utensils adorn the interior spaces, which were expertly restored in 1973. An art center, workshops, and a chapel honoring Saints Constantine and Helen—named for the late founder's uncle—were all part of a 1993 extension to the original structure.

Exploring the cave house

Each room in the museum is a recreation of an early 20th-century Santorini cave dwelling. A hall, two bedrooms, a dining room, a kitchen, and a food cellar are among the many areas visitors can explore. The building still has traditional design elements, such as windows and arches, which give the house a unique personality.

Antique wine presses, treading vats, and barrels used to produce Santorini's well-known wines can be found in the traditional household winery. This area of the museum offers an intriguing look at the history of winemaking on the island.

Visitors can view a wealth of domestic items, including old traditional clothes, artifacts, and photographs, scattered throughout the house. One cannot help but note the two handcrafted wedding crowns and a gramophone among the amazing artifacts. The museum also has an extraordinary collection of historical documents that provide additional information on the history of the island, including rare vintage photographs of Santorini taken in 1895, as well as old books, maps, lithographs, and manuscripts.

The courtyard, chapel & art gallery

The museum's exterior also has a charming courtyard and a green garden with flowers and trees. A stunning chapel honoring Saints Helen and Constantine can be seen here. The chapel showcases the religious heritage that has influenced the local way of life, as does its belfry and celebration space.

Visitors can admire an impressive collection of artwork by well-known Greek artists at the museum's recently expanded gallery. Santorini's beauty and culture are the inspiration for the watercolors, drawings, and paintings, which provide a visual depiction of the island's charming attractiveness.

Traditional workshop

Workshops featuring original tools for tinsmiths, shoemakers, barrel makers, and carpenters are also available at the museum. The workshops revive the island's artisanal legacy by providing practical demonstrations of age-old crafts.

A cultural treasure

A visit to the Folklore Museum of Santorini is like traveling back in time. The museum offers invaluable knowledge about the history, culture, and way of life of the island. Its status as one of Greece's most important folklore museums is evidence of Emmanuel A. Lignos's dedication to gathering and sharing Santorini's cultural heritage.

The opening hours are as follows: From April 15 to June 30, the venue is open daily from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. From July 1 to August 31, it operates daily from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and again from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Finally, from September 1 to October 15, the venue is open daily from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Location & area

Location of Folklore Museum of Emmanuel A. Lignos

Nearby POIs Google Maps

Folklore Museum of Emmanuel A. Lignos is located in Fira town