Agia Eirini, Kea

About the museum

From the early 3rd millennium BC an important settlement developed on the peninsula inside the large gulf of Kea, in which eight chronological phases have been identified. The settlement took its name from the small church of Agia Eirini at its centre. It was one of the most important cultural centres of the Aegean, from the end of the Neolithic period (3000 BC) to the 15th century BC, when it was destroyed by powerful earthquakes.

Around 2000/1900–1600 BC the settlement expanded and the large fortification enclosure of the peninsula, with rectangular towers, was built. The excavations brought to light building remains of the Early Cycladic phase, the fortifications and an important sanctuary, from which the clay female figures (Korai of Kea, 15th century BC) come. These are displayed in the Archaeological Museum of Kea.

Highlights

• Prehistoric settlement with eight chronological phases
• Large fortification enclosure with rectangular towers
• Sanctuary from which the Korai of Kea come
• Small church of Agia Eirini at the centre of the settlement

Permanent exhibition

• Ο προϊστορικός οικισμός της Αγίας Ειρήνης – The visit includes the remains of the settlement, the fortification enclosure and the sanctuary.

Operated by

Εφορεία Αρχαιοτήτων Κυκλάδων

Admission & discounts

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.

Accessibility

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Kids & families

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Getting there & parking

From the port of Kea (Korissia) the drive takes about 7 minutes. From Ioulida it is about 20 minutes.

Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

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