The Archaeological Museum of Sparta

It is housed in a building constructed in 1874, and it was the first provincial Greek museum, especially designed for this specific purpose. It hosts findings from excavations in various locations in Laconia, dating back from the Neolithic era up to the Late Roman era. The most prominent place is occupied by exhibits from the great sanctuaries of Sparta. Sculptures from the Archaic era up to the Roman era are also exhibited, as well as parts of magnificent mosaic flooring from Roman buildings.

Media items

The Archaeological Museum of Sparta is housed in building constructed in 1874. It hosts typical exhibits from the Neolithic era up to the Late Roman era. You will see findings from the most important prehistoric locations in Laconia, sculptures from Archaic up to Roman times, coming from various regions in Laconia, as well as findings of rescue excavations: among these findings, the parts of mosaic flooring from Roman Sparta catch the visitor’s eye. 

HISTORY OF THE MUSEUM
It is the first provincial Greek museum, designed and built for this purpose, in the first place. Its construction began in 1874, based on designs by architect G. Katsaros - even though at times it has been accredited to the famous Dutch architect of the 19th century T. Hansen. Its construction was completed on 23 January 1876. 
The research carried out in Sparta from the late 19th century onwards, and the collecting of antiquities resulted in an increasing number of findings and the expansion of the original building, by continuously adding spaces. Eventually, a small part of the numerous findings is exhibited in the museum, which excavations keep bringing to light.  

EXHIBITS 
Among others, at the Archaeological Museum of Sparta you’ll see: 
Inscribed Roman columns and findings from the Sanctuary of Artemis Orthia, such as votive masks, probably imitations of the wooden ones used at rituals in honour of the goddess. 
Findings from the Sanctuary of Athena Chalkioikosat the acropolis of Sparta and from Menelaion. 
Exhibits, dating back to prehistoric times, found at various locations in Laconia, such as Geraki, Epidaurus Limera, etc. Among these exhibits, the findings from the Mycenaean tombs of Pellana occupy a prominent place. 
Examples of mosaic flooring, decorating the luxurious residences and the public buildings in Roman Sparta. 
Architectural members from the Temple of Apollo in Amykles. 
Sculptures. Among others, you’ll admire the Spartan warrior, the so-called Leonidas, which came to light near the Sanctuary of Athena Chalkioikos. Futhermore, the famous column of Damonon, which records victories in races. In this particular hall, there are inscribed tombstones of deceased warriors and a gigantic head either of Hera or Helen. 

Did you know that

The museum is located at the junction of Lykourgou and Agiou Nikonos Str. in Sparta.
Tel. 27310 21516

Location

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