Archaeological Collection of Dispilio

About the museum

The prehistoric settlement of Dispilio is located at the Nisi site, on the southern shore of Lake Kastoria, about 7–8 kilometres from the town. It was discovered in 1932, when the water level of the lake dropped and wooden stakes became visible. The excavations concern the first lake settlement investigated in Greece. The settlement developed from the middle of the 6th to the middle of the 4th millennium BC, and it is estimated that around 3,000 people lived there.

In the village of Dispilio, an ecomuseum has operated since 2000 with a faithful reconstruction of the settlement: eight huts on stilted platforms, at full scale, with faithful replicas of vessels, tools, baskets and hearths. The Archaeological Collection of Dispilio presents themes concerning the organisation of the space, the economy and technology, as well as the views of the Neolithic farmers and herders. Among the important finds are bone flutes and the wooden Dispilio Tablet with incised signs, dated to 5260 BC.

Highlights

• Reconstruction of eight huts on stilted platforms
• The Dispilio Tablet from 5260 BC
• Bone flutes from the Neolithic period
• Faithful replicas of vessels and tools
• First lake settlement excavated in Greece

Permanent exhibition

• Αρχαιολογική Συλλογή Δισπηλιού – The collection concerns the Neolithic lake settlement and presents the organisation of the space, the economy, technology and the views of its residents.

Operated by

Υπουργείο Πολιτισμού – Εφορεία Αρχαιοτήτων Καστοριάς

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

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 museum has a ramp.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

Dispilio is about 7–8 kilometres from Kastoria, on the road to Argos Orestiko.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit