Museum of Prehistoric Thira:
The name may conjure up the idea of cavemen, but nothing could be farther from the truth. This modern museum is filled with amazing Bronze Age objects from the buried town of Akrotiri and other places on the island of Santorini.
Visiting Akrotiri? This is a must-see:
If you're determined to visit Akrotiri, a stop at the Museum of Prehistoric Thira is essential. The excavated town has been stripped of its treasures - they're here in the Museum. You'll understand the ancient site and the ancient Thirans much better with a visit here.
Located in the Heart of Modern Thira :
Have limited time? It's easy to squeeze in a visit to the museum, which is centrally located in the center of Thira.
Is it Fira, Thera, Thira, or Phira?:
The chief town of Santorini retains an ancient name of the island itself. Unfortunately, there is not much consensus on how to spell that ancient name, and you may find information under Fira, Thira, Thera, or even Phira.
Don't Miss: The Misses Picking Crocuses:
Two marvelous large frescoes show beautiful Minoans gathering saffron stamens from blooming crocuses. You'll see these reproduced for sale everywhere, but nothing compares to meeting these Minoans "in person". But hey, see below.
Don't call them Minoans! They're Therans!:
Scholars debate whether the civilization on Thera is a Minoan outpost, a Minoan colony, a Cycladic but Minoan-influenced culture, an independent city-state, or some other combination. Some see it as the inspiriation for the story of lost Atlantis.
More on the Museum of Prehistoric Thira:
Depending on how thoroughly you like to do a museum, this one needs a minimum of forty minutes to enjoy it. But for those who read every card and meditate a moment on each object, it can easily occupy an hour or two.
The best value for the visitor to Santorini is to purchase a special access ticket for 8 Euro. This covers admission to Akrotiri itself, the Archaeological Museum in Thira, the Museum of Prehistoric Thira, and the Roman-era town of Ancient Thira. Normally, just the admission to Akrotiri is 5 Euro.
Museum Of Prehistoric Thira Telephone: (011) 30 22860 23217
More on Akrotiri:
