The island’s history within a grand mansion
In the heart of Spetses, just a few minutes from Dapia, you will discover the Spetses Museum, housed in the imposing mansion of Chatzigiannis Mexis, built between 1795 and 1798. This historic listed building, with its stone walls, inner courtyard, and wooden floors, invites you into the atmosphere of another era, where the daily life of sea captains and merchants meets the history of the island.
The building was donated by the last heirs of the Mexis family to the Greek state in 1938, and since then it has hosted the island’s archaeological, historical, and folklore collections. As you wander through its rooms, you will encounter archaeological finds from the prehistoric and classical periods, discoveries from the pre-Mycenaean Point Iria shipwreck, ancient ceramics, Roman sculptures, and early Christian artifacts that testify to the island’s long-standing history of habitation.
The journey continues with folk exhibits—traditional costumes, furniture, and family heirlooms—that portray the everyday life of the people on Spetses.
A special highlight is the section dedicated to the Greek War of Independence of 1821. Flags, weapons, portraits of fighters, nautical instruments, and documents bring to life the vital role of the people of Spetses at sea and in the struggle for freedom. The mansion also houses the bones of Laskarina Bouboulina, making the museum an important landmark of local heritage.
A visit to the Spetses Museum is an ideal way to discover the soul of the island before continuing your stroll through the narrow alleys of Spetses.
The building was donated by the last heirs of the Mexis family to the Greek state in 1938, and since then it has hosted the island’s archaeological, historical, and folklore collections. As you wander through its rooms, you will encounter archaeological finds from the prehistoric and classical periods, discoveries from the pre-Mycenaean Point Iria shipwreck, ancient ceramics, Roman sculptures, and early Christian artifacts that testify to the island’s long-standing history of habitation.
The journey continues with folk exhibits—traditional costumes, furniture, and family heirlooms—that portray the everyday life of the people on Spetses.
A special highlight is the section dedicated to the Greek War of Independence of 1821. Flags, weapons, portraits of fighters, nautical instruments, and documents bring to life the vital role of the people of Spetses at sea and in the struggle for freedom. The mansion also houses the bones of Laskarina Bouboulina, making the museum an important landmark of local heritage.
A visit to the Spetses Museum is an ideal way to discover the soul of the island before continuing your stroll through the narrow alleys of Spetses.
