Naxos Venetian Museum

Location: Town
Don't miss: Museums guide (free admission dates and other useful info)

Closed - New museum under construction
The Old Town of Naxos stands at the heart of Kastro, which was built by Marco Sanudo, the first Duke of Naxos, in the 13th century.
Of the seven towers that were built, only one stands still today.
One can also see a Catholic cathedral, remnants of ancient Venetian houses, schools, and other magnificent works of architecture.

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One of those structures is the Venetian Museum, located at the Kastro's north entry.
The museum is an 800-year-old Venetian house belonging to the Della Rocca family. Walking into the house is like taking a walk back in time since it allows you to experience life in Venetian style. Mr. Della Rocca converted his ancestral family home into a museum and opened it to the general public. He also manages the museum solely on the proceeds obtained from tourists without assistance from the Greek government.

The tour lasts about forty minutes and is available in English and Greek. The duration allows a guided tour of the entire house, including the reception hall, bedrooms, dining room, nursery, gallery, library, chapel, study, and balcony with a breathtaking view of the port of Naxos and the Portara. Once that is done, you are taken down to the vaults to view original paintings, sculptures, ceramics, photographs, and jewelry from the time of Venetian rule.

The magical tour ends with a visit to the cellars, where you can taste excellent wine and other local drinks. You can also buy authentic crockery, furniture, and textiles from the back room as a memento of the Venetian times in Naxos.

The house also has a beautiful, tranquil garden, which serves as a fitting venue for many open-air musical concerts in the evening. The music ranges from classical to jazz to traditional Naxos music on Wednesday and Sunday evenings, with local musicians and dancers in traditional costumes. International artists also perform there from time to time. It is highly advised that you pick a day when there is a musical concert for its one thing you do not want to miss.

All in all, the Venetian museum allows you to not only understand the island's Catholic rulers but also take a peek into their lives and see how they have influenced the people and culture of Naxos. And there is nothing like some authentic music with an authentic aura to add to the experience. It is an adventure by itself, one that is not only enlightening but also immense fun.

How to get there

The Venetian Museum is located in Chora.

Private transfers: We recommend using an online pre-booked transfer service, which provides transfer by taxi, minibus, or private VIP car and arranging a pickup directly from the port, airport, or your hotel. Alternatively, there’s the option of arranging a pickup by a local driver directly at the following numbers: 0030 22850 25835, 0030 22850 24829, or booking your taxi online.

Car rental: There's the option of renting a car and picking it up directly from the airport, port, or your hotel. Using a rental car allows visitors to discover the Venetian Museum and many other places of interest at their own pace.

Public transport: The central bus station of the island is located at the Port of Naxos. There are bus connections between Chora and most areas of the island. Consider that time schedules might change according to the season. Check the official timetables here.