Photo: Thomas Gravanis

Ai Stratis Political Exiles Museum

Photo: Thomas Gravanis

A fascinating journey into a dark period of modern Greek politics.

When was it built

Late 19th century or early 20th century.

What's the story

Most likely it was previously a residence.

Why it's important

It’s the first Greek museum dedicated to the experience of internal political exiles. Opened in 2003, it contains poignant personal items such as the bridal gown of a young woman who was executed before she could wear it and a chess set carved from stale bread.

Must-see

Paintings and sketches by acclaimed Greek artists created during exile or inspired by their experience.

Fun fact

Ai Stratis, a small Aegean island, served as a place of incarceration for political exiles several times in modern Greek history—in the 1930s, after the Civil War in the late 1940s, and during the 1967-1974 dictatorship.

Handmade engraving tools by exiled artist Takis Tzaneteas.

Photo: Thomas Gravanis

Typewriter and brochures of the Central Council of Youth during the Nazi occupation (1942-1943).

Photo: Thomas Gravanis

Deportation bronze sculpture by artist Y. Souvatzoglou.

Photo: Thomas Gravanis

A drawing by poet Yannis Ritsos, found on a paper box where he used to keep his personal belongings.

Photo: Thomas Gravanis

Self portraits of painter Cath. Chariati-Sismanis, made in the exile of Trikeri in 1949.

Photo: Thomas Gravanis

Engraved stone by poet Yiannis Ritsos during his exile years in the island of Ai-Stratis.

Photo: Thomas Gravanis

Chess set made of bread. Owned by Eli Svoros, a political prisoner in the Averof Prison.

Photo: Thomas Gravanis

Artefacts found in the island of Ai-Stratis during the years of exile (1949-1960).

Photo: Thomas Gravanis

Eat & Drink

Eat & Drink

Eat & Drink

Eat & Drink

Ai Stratis Political Exiles Museum

A fascinating journey into a dark period of modern Greek politics.