Ancient Thera
The ancient city of Thera, built on the summit of a steep headland, preserves sanctuaries, an agora, a theatre and quarters with a view of the Aegean.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The ancient city of Thera was founded in the 8th century BC on the summit of the steep south-eastern headland of the island. After the catastrophic volcanic eruption, Thera, Therasia and Aspronisi remained deserted for centuries. Systematic resettlement was marked by the arrival of Dorian settlers from Sparta, led by Theras, after whom the island, previously called Kallisti, was named.
The city was the urban, administrative and religious centre of the city-state and survives in the form it had in Hellenistic and Roman times. Its image includes sanctuaries, temples, an agora, public buildings, a theatre, shops, residential quarters and an organised road network with drainage. From the 3rd century AD the city declined, but it was inhabited until the 9th century. The finds from the city and its necropolises are displayed in the Archaeological Museum of Thera.
Highlights
- Ancient city on a steep headland with a view of the Aegean
- Sanctuaries, temples, agora and theatre
- Road network with a drainage system
- Christian churches among the ruins of late antiquity
Permanent exhibition
- Η αρχαία πόλη της Θήρας – The tour includes the ruins of the ancient city with sanctuaries, agora, theatre and residential quarters, along the ancient road network.
- Operated by
- Εφορεία Αρχαιοτήτων Κυκλάδων
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €10 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5Categories of reduced tickets defined by the Ministry of Culture, with the relevant supporting documents presented. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · People with a disability from any country. One companion enters free of charge if the disability is 67% or more. |
Free admission: 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, the last weekend of September, 28 October and the first and third Sunday of each month from 1 November to 31 March.
Tickets are also available online on the website of Hellenic Heritage.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The climb to the ancient city is not easy, especially when strong northerly winds blow.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
From Kamari the journey takes about 10 minutes by car or 1 hour and 10 minutes on foot.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
