Athens War Museum
The Athens War Museum is a fascinating look at Greek history through
the lens of warfare from ancient battles to the Greek War of Independence and
World War II.
Byzantine Warship in the Athens War Museum
Don't be put off by the name or by the military hardware
outside the War Museum (or Polemikó Mouseío in Greek), for inside is a
fascinating collection covering many aspects of Greek history.
Military Vehicle
Displays
Outside the museum is a display of military vehicles. Children will enjoy climbing up to peer inside the cockpits of the Spitfires and Tiger Moths, and getting a close look at the anti-aircraft guns and some fairly primitive World War I hardware.
The Athens War Museum
Having examined the outside displays, go inside and take the
stairs or lift to the top floor, working your way down, though the layout on
the several floors is not strictly chronological. This makes more sense of a
visit, though, and you may wish to take a break in the café in the basement
afterwards.
Our Pick of the Athens Guides
Temple of Vassai
Friezes
As just one example of the museum's all-encompassing brief, it
includes copies of some dramatic friezes from the remote Temple of Vassai on
the Peloponnese, regarded as one of the most outstanding Greek temples outside
Athens. The friezes show military conflict, and art lovers will appreciate
stumbling across such skilful replicas of otherwise relatively inaccessible
pieces.
Ottoman Scimitars at the Athens War Museum
Photo by Tilemahos Efthimiadis
War Museum: Model
Cities
The museum covers conflicts dating back to the Greek myths,
the Trojan Wars and the tales of Homer. There are first-class models of many of
the fortified towns in Greece, such as Náfplion and Mystra, and others showing
great battle scenes from Greek history.
War Museum on World
War II
World War II is covered in some depth, including the Battle
of Crete and the sufferings of the Athenian population. There is also an extensive
collection of weaponry and uniforms.
Anti-Aircraft Missile Outside the Athens War Museum
Photo by Tilemahos Efthimiadis
This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.
Some other Athens pages
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