Mitropolis On-site Museum — Attraction in Municipality of Naxos and the Lesser Cyclades

This modest yet captivating site in Chora offers a deeply enriching experience for anyone interested in ancient Greek history. While the space may appear understated or not particularly well maintained at first glance, a closer look reveals a treasure trove of historical significance. The display centers on a Mycenaean burial from the 12th–13th century BC, and shows how centuries later, in the 8th century BC, the Archaic Greeks returned to the same site to build sanctuaries honoring their heroic ancestors. This layered construction mirrors the structure of the Homeric epics themselves—poems of the Archaic period but depicting a much older heroic age (Bronze Age Mycenaeans).

Visitors are invited to reflect on how myth, memory, and ritual intertwined in the formation of Greek identity. Informative posters, rich in archaeological detail, provide excellent context—even if the signage may require a bit of attention. A helpful staff member may even offer some background to enhance your visit. Best of all, entrance is free, making it an easily accessible and highly recommended stop while...

very interesting visit. apparently it is not well taken care of, but if you read the detail of each poster, the explanations are very detailed and very well documented. In short: it shows the plan of a burial from the Mycenaean era (12th-13th centuries BC) and the sanctuaries that the archaic Greeks of the 8th century BC dedicated precisely to their ancestors buried centuries ago. it is an analogy of the Homeric poems: the epic narrates the lower level, but it was written at the time of the upper level. beautiful and 100% recommended. it is also free and is in the same...

Really interesting place with layers of ancient history, well presented. A pleasant lady started to explain it in English to us but was very rudely interrupted by a younger and highly aggressive colleague who went on and on shouting about something. It was quite upsetting to see such workplace bullying right in front of visitors. That said, the place is fascinating, free of charge and with just enough explanation to get the idea. I am sure if the guide had been allowed to speak to us, we would have had an...