Seamanship aura
Everything in Galaxidi has been determined by its naval history. From its customs, such as the flour war on Clean Monday, to its striking architecture. Proud sea captains' mansions tell the stories of renowned ship owners and make Galaxidi one of the most beautiful towns in Greece.
The image you will see comes from the era of great prosperity, at the end of the 19th century. Before that period, Galaxidi had been burned several times by the Turks. But in its golden era, the ships of Galaxidi brought wealth to the town and its ship owners brought ideas and luxurious objects from the ports of the world – silverware, textiles, carved furniture. The town even had its own shipyards to build the hulls. It is estimated that its merchant fleet reached 350 ships. By the early 20th century, however, the elegant sailing ships were gradually laid up with the arrival of steam-powered vessels.
You will never get tired of walking around Galaxidi. You will be able to admire captains' mansions and neoclassical buildings, photograph architectural details, pebbled courtyards and roof ornaments. Most of them overlook the sea and are two or three-storeyed.
As these homes are private residences, interiors are not generally open to the public. However, on certain occasions during the year, some owners open their doors to visitors — particularly during Carnival weekends or in September, when the town commemorates the heroes of 1821 with anniversary events and cultural celebrations under the title "We will do what should be done".
At the wonderful Naval and Historical Museum of Galaxidi you will learn all about the naval history of the city and the areas it influenced, through authentic exhibits and informative material. Add a museum visit on your schedule and indulge in the charm of seamanship.
The image you will see comes from the era of great prosperity, at the end of the 19th century. Before that period, Galaxidi had been burned several times by the Turks. But in its golden era, the ships of Galaxidi brought wealth to the town and its ship owners brought ideas and luxurious objects from the ports of the world – silverware, textiles, carved furniture. The town even had its own shipyards to build the hulls. It is estimated that its merchant fleet reached 350 ships. By the early 20th century, however, the elegant sailing ships were gradually laid up with the arrival of steam-powered vessels.
You will never get tired of walking around Galaxidi. You will be able to admire captains' mansions and neoclassical buildings, photograph architectural details, pebbled courtyards and roof ornaments. Most of them overlook the sea and are two or three-storeyed.
As these homes are private residences, interiors are not generally open to the public. However, on certain occasions during the year, some owners open their doors to visitors — particularly during Carnival weekends or in September, when the town commemorates the heroes of 1821 with anniversary events and cultural celebrations under the title "We will do what should be done".
At the wonderful Naval and Historical Museum of Galaxidi you will learn all about the naval history of the city and the areas it influenced, through authentic exhibits and informative material. Add a museum visit on your schedule and indulge in the charm of seamanship.
