The history of silversmithing in Epirus
The museum is located in the castle of Ioannina, specifically in the western bastion of the southeastern acropolis (Its Kale), occupying the two levels of the bastion as well as the building of the former kitchens adjacent to it.
It is a thematic museum, as it explores the technology of silversmithing during the pre-industrial period, but at the same time a regional museum, focusing primarily on the history of silversmithing in the region of Epirus. The exhibition mainly refers to the post-Byzantine period, from the 15th century onwards, but there are also references to the distant past, as the techniques used for the production of silverware often date back to much earlier periods.
Visitors have the opportunity to discover everything related to Epirote silversmithing and its technology, as well as the connection between this craft and the social conditions of the time in which it developed and flourished.
Museum Tour
The exhibition areas are developed on the two levels of the bastion. The first level hosts the main part of the exhibition, which refers to the history and technology of silversmithing in Epirus. Through a variety of visual media (texts, visual material, documentary films, multimedia applications) you can discover traditional techniques of shaping and decorating silver objects, learning about the stages of each technique until the creation of the final product. The second level presents a collection of Epirote silver and goldsmithing works dating from the 18th to the 20th century. Elegant artifacts with elaborate details, such as jewellery, weapons and war gear, household silverware and personal items are among the objects in the collection.
There are also references to modern silversmithing, featuring examples of the work of silversmiths who are active today in the wider area, continuing a centuries-old tradition. Interactive digital games are installed in the museum, and educational programmes are also organised for visitors.
It is a thematic museum, as it explores the technology of silversmithing during the pre-industrial period, but at the same time a regional museum, focusing primarily on the history of silversmithing in the region of Epirus. The exhibition mainly refers to the post-Byzantine period, from the 15th century onwards, but there are also references to the distant past, as the techniques used for the production of silverware often date back to much earlier periods.
Visitors have the opportunity to discover everything related to Epirote silversmithing and its technology, as well as the connection between this craft and the social conditions of the time in which it developed and flourished.
Museum Tour
The exhibition areas are developed on the two levels of the bastion. The first level hosts the main part of the exhibition, which refers to the history and technology of silversmithing in Epirus. Through a variety of visual media (texts, visual material, documentary films, multimedia applications) you can discover traditional techniques of shaping and decorating silver objects, learning about the stages of each technique until the creation of the final product. The second level presents a collection of Epirote silver and goldsmithing works dating from the 18th to the 20th century. Elegant artifacts with elaborate details, such as jewellery, weapons and war gear, household silverware and personal items are among the objects in the collection.
There are also references to modern silversmithing, featuring examples of the work of silversmiths who are active today in the wider area, continuing a centuries-old tradition. Interactive digital games are installed in the museum, and educational programmes are also organised for visitors.
