Karpathos Archaeological Museum

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

Karpathos boasts a small yet interesting Archaeological Museum, housed in the western wing of the Province House, an impressive building complex dating from the years of the Italian occupation.

Established in 2005, it is divided into three sections, the first of which focuses on prehistoric times, from the first traces of human activity in the Neolithic era to the Minoan and Mycenaean settlements around the area of Pigadia. Of particular interest is the representation of a Mycenaean tomb, as well as other findings accompanied by a wealth of information on everyday life and burial customs in ancient Karpathos, as well as on its agrarian economy, artisan activity, and trade and cultural contacts.

The second section displays findings from the ancient port of Potidaion and the cities of Arkassa, Karpathos and Brycus. Here, visitors will have the chance to see a number of clay vases, besides sculptures and inscriptions.

The final part is dedicated to the Byzantine times, comprising representative samples from the island’s early Christian settlements and basilicas which illuminate the flourishing of the economy and the arts during that period. One of the highlights is a masterful 13th-century fresco, which has been removed from the church of Agioi Apostoli and has been fully restored.