Argyros Mansion

The village of Messaria, where the mansion is located, used to have a great position among the settlements of the island, as it was a prominent winemaking center and a wealthy community with scores of graceful manor houses. Nowadays, it is characterized by an elegant aura but there are only a few mansions still standing to remind its former glory. Among these, only Argyros Mansion is available for visits.

The mansion was built in 1888 by local craftsmen and it belonged to the prosperous landowner and wine merchant George Argyros. It was a glorious neoclassical mansion of exemplary architecture and aesthetics. However, after the disastrous earthquake of 1956, the building suffered damages and a part of it collapsed. As a consequence, it was abandoned for the next 35 years, until it was declared a masterpiece, and a remarkable example of architecture by the Greek Ministry of Culture in 1985. Its renovation started in 1987 and was completed in 1994 with impressive results. In 1997, it was also awarded the Europa Nostra Award as a Greek cultural heritage site.

The current owner and fourth generation of the family, Manolis Argyros, opened the doors of the mansion, which now operates as a museum, to the public. The museum, which is located on the first floor of the mansion, gives visitors the chance to cherish the beauty of Santorini in the 19th century, feel the atmosphere of an illustrious bygone era, and get acquainted with unknown aspects of life on the island. Guests can take a tour around the rooms of the mansion and admire commendable hand-made furniture from around the world, utensils of daily life, and delicate details in the decorations, such as admirable paintings. What will definitely catch their attention are the brilliant wooden floors, the bright colors, and the ceiling paintings of exceptional art, especially that of the living room that pictures four prominent ancient Greeks, Plato, Aristotle, Sophocles, and Homer.

Argyros Mansion is open to the public daily, apart from Mondays and Thursdays, during the period from May to October, offering guided tours in both Greek and English for individuals and groups. What is more, the outdoor spaces of the mansion are available for special glamorous events, like weddings and parties. The lavish exterior time-travels the guests to another era, creating a truly unforgettable and one-of-a-kind experience for them.

Location & area

Location of Argyros Mansion

Area map & nearby

Argyros Mansion is located in Messaria village