Megaro Gyzi Cultural Center & Museum, Santorini

Housed in a 17th-century mansion that formerly belonged to the Venetian family Gyzi, the Megaro Gyzi Cultural Center features a rich collection of objects that reflect local life from the 15th, 16th, 19th, and 20th centuries. It was founded in 1980 by the Catholic Episcopate of Thera.

Among the treasures, visitors will enjoy 15th-century engravings that depict Cycladic landscapes, private documents from the Catholic Episcopate of Thera archives, pictures from the 1930s through the 1950s by photographer Vikentios Pintos, geological findings, and paintings from well-known Greek artists.

The center hosts concerts, theatrical performances, and films. It is also home to exhibitions, such as the Greek Orthodox Katerina Ioannido Icons Workshop. One of the most prominent events that take place at the center is the International Piano Recital.

The best time to visit is during the Megano Gyzi Festival, which occurs annually in August. The event features a series of music concerts, art, painting exhibitions, and theatrical performances.

For those who wish to take a little bit of the Cultural Centre Megaro Gyzi home with them, the local museum shop sells replicas of the many books, photo albums, art, and lithographs.

Why You Should Visit:
The photos and paintings will help you get other perspectives of the Thera island through the years.
Staff is friendly, entry fee is modest, and the place's special architecture inspires some respect.