Public Historical Library of Dimitsana

About the museum

The library is linked to the Greek School of Dimitsana, founded in 1764, which took the place of an older educational centre at the Monastery of Philosophos. Ancient authors, natural sciences, mathematics and astronomy were taught at the school, and important figures of the Revolution studied there, such as Papaflessas and Gregory V. The library served from the outset as a complement to the school, and before 1821 it had around 5,000 volumes. During the Revolution much of the books were used to make cartridges, and about 500 remained after the Greek War of Independence.

The present building was erected in 1845 on Agia Kyriaki Square, on the site of the school, with funds from the benefactor Nikolaos Makris and designs by Lysandros Kaftantzoglou. The library became a public service by law in 1843. In 1977 the Academy of Athens awarded it a gold medal for its historical and educational contribution.

Today it operates in three roles: as a library with around 40,000 volumes, a lending department and an information centre; as a historical archive with documents, manuscripts and patriarchal letters; and as a museum presenting ancient, medieval and modern Dimitsana. The rooms house the bones of Germanos of Old Patras in a bronze casket, the saddle of Papaflessas’ horse and swords. Portraits of benefactors and objects of the folk life of the area are also displayed, such as household utensils, carpets, farm tools and a loom.

Highlights

• The bones of Germanos of Old Patras in a bronze casket
• The saddle of Papaflessas’ horse and swords of the Revolution
• Historical archive with manuscripts, documents and patriarchal letters
• Building of 1845, donated by Nikolaos Makris
• Objects of folk life from Gortynia
• 360° virtual tour of the rooms

Permanent exhibition

• Μουσειακές αίθουσες της βιβλιοθήκης – Relics of the Revolution, portraits of benefactors and objects of folk life from Dimitsana and Gortynia.

Founded

1764

Operated by

Δημόσια Ιστορική Βιβλιοθήκη Δημητσάνας

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