The dwelling of the Kore of Thera
Nestled in the heart of Fira, the refurbished Archaeological Museum of Thera awaits, more modern, open, and evocative than ever. The building, designed by legendary architect Konstantinos Dekavallas shortly after the 1956 earthquake, has been restored with reverence for its modernist style, transforming into a space of light and balance.
Amidst the Cyclades' ancient wonders, the Kore of Thera stands as an iconic symbol. This colossal archaic statue, among the most significant works of ancient Greek sculpture, was unearthed by Santorinian archaeologist Charalampos Sigalas. Standing 2.48 metres tall and nearly 2,700 years old, this archaic masterpiece of Naxian marble is displayed, released from its supporting restraints, on a special anti-seismic base. You can stand before the Kore unobstructed, taking in her smile, her austerity, and the silent gleam of the marble that has reached us from the 7th century BC.
Her gaze retains the so-called 'archaic smile', that enigmatic expression uniting divinity with human grace. Upon her form, the folds of the garment seem to pulse with light, while the weight of the stone is balanced by an almost ethereal lightness.
The Kore of Thera transcends mere sculpture — she embodies the enduring spirit of Hellenic culture. From the Naxian quarries where she originated to her current home on Santorini, she has journeyed through centuries of artistry and innovation.
Amidst the Cyclades' ancient wonders, the Kore of Thera stands as an iconic symbol. This colossal archaic statue, among the most significant works of ancient Greek sculpture, was unearthed by Santorinian archaeologist Charalampos Sigalas. Standing 2.48 metres tall and nearly 2,700 years old, this archaic masterpiece of Naxian marble is displayed, released from its supporting restraints, on a special anti-seismic base. You can stand before the Kore unobstructed, taking in her smile, her austerity, and the silent gleam of the marble that has reached us from the 7th century BC.
Her gaze retains the so-called 'archaic smile', that enigmatic expression uniting divinity with human grace. Upon her form, the folds of the garment seem to pulse with light, while the weight of the stone is balanced by an almost ethereal lightness.
The Kore of Thera transcends mere sculpture — she embodies the enduring spirit of Hellenic culture. From the Naxian quarries where she originated to her current home on Santorini, she has journeyed through centuries of artistry and innovation.
