Museum of Post-Byzantine Art and History of Hydra

Museum of Post-Byzantine Art and History of Hydra

On the slope of a pine-covered hill (on the top of which there is a small fort), west of the harbour, stands the imposing mansion of Pavlos Kountouriotis. Pavlos Kountouriotis, admiral in the Balkan wars and president of the Hellenic Republic, inherited the mansion from his grandfather George, scion of one of Hydra’s richest families. The building was constructed in the early years of the 19th century and in the following decades it underwent extensive repairs without altering its architectural style. In 1991 it was bought by the Ministry of Culture and turned into the Museum of Post-Byzantine Art and History of Hydra and the Museum of the Kountouriotis Family.

Take a close look at this important three-storey house, which, together with the outbuildings and the high retaining wall that surrounds the garden, takes full advantage of the height difference of the sloping ground. Step inside and admire the artistry and care with which the wooden ceilings, the black and white marble floors and the grand staircase were made. The museum displays heirlooms from the Kountouriotis family and exhibits from the recent history of Hydra.

Worth knowing: on the slope between the sea and the villa, the Admiral was buried in 1935 so that he would always be close to his two great loves.