The cultural identity of Spetses island appears in every corner of the island. Across Spetses island there are many monuments, museums and Archaeological areas that remind us its rich history. The monuments of the past that have been found in Spetses, start from long ago. The shipwreck of Dokos of the Early Helladic period is considered the most ancient shipwreck that has been discovered in the world, dating back to 2200 B.C. A little more recent is the Mycenaean shipwreck of Iria, dating back to 1200 B.C. Furthermore, in Baltiza village, Protobyzantine and Paleochristian churches have been discovered, while in Zogeria there is a Byzantine settlement that visitors can admire.
Chadjigiannis – Mexis Mansion (Museum of Spetses)
Chadjigiannis – Mexis Mansion hosts the museum of Spetses. The Museum started its operation in 1939 as the Archaeological, Historical and Laografical Collection of Spetses. The building of the museum was built in the period between 1795 – 1798 and has been declared as a preserved monument since 1924. At the museum, visitors have the opportunity to meet the historic and cultural identity of Spetses that counts over 4000 years. The museum hosts the findings of the Mycenaean shipwreck of Iria, and on the first loor there are exhibits that include ceramics form the Early Helladic and Classical period, tombstones and sculptures of the Roman and Byzantine period. Also, there is a collection of post Byzantine and Russian icons and ceramics of oriental and occidental European origin, brought by the Spetsiot sailors at the end of the 18th century. Finaly, the museum has a unique collection of Greek Revolution heirlooms, such as the flag of the Revolution, the ossuary of the heroine Bouboulina, historic documents, weapons of greek heroes etc.
Bouboulina’s museum
The mansion of the heroine of the Greek Revolution, Lascarina Bouboulina, was built about 300 years ago and started its operation as a museum in 1992, with a 40 minutes, live tour. Visitors have the opportunity to learn about the life of Bouboulina, while they wander around the artifacts of the Revolution, personal things of Bouboulina and other exhibits. Among the most important exhibits is Bouboulina’ s gun, and the safe deposit box of Agamemnon ship. Furthermore, visitors will be impressed by the large copy painting of Peter Von Hess that shows Bouboulina ordering the bombing of Nafplio and by the African sword, a present from the tsar Alexander I to the heroine.In winter, the Museum remains closed. It opens only on the days of Clean Monday and every day from 25th March until 28th October.