Palaiopolis Archaeological Museum

Palaiopolis Archaeological museum of Andros

The Palaiopolis Archaeological Museum is dedicated to the antiquities of Palaiopolis, which was -for twelve centuries- the capital of the island. It was founded in 2003 and is housed in an old building renovated with the sponsorship of the Vassilis and Elisa Goulandris Foundation.

The museum exhibits sculptures, statues, coins and inscriptions from the 5th millennium to the 6th century BC. The findings come from archaeological excavations, surface research and from citizens who have collected them in the wider area of Paleopolis.

Some of the most important exhibits of the museum are the marble sculpture complex of the mythical winged horse Pegasus with his rider, Vellerefontis and the tombstone of a marble lion in natural size. The first one, was found in Paleopolis and dates between the end of the 6th century and the beginning of the 5th century BC. The last one, was found in the cemetery of Ancient Andros and dates back to 320 BC. Another great find of the museum is the marble statuette of Artemis of the Hellenistic period which dates back to the 3rd century BC.

The most important find, is the inscribed marble plaque with 178 verses from the hymn in honour of the eastern goddess Isis. In the inscription dated to the 1st century BC, the goddess is praised as an earthly, heavenly and aquatic goddess and inventor of shipping.