Nafplio Archaeological Museum: Home of the Dendra Panoply
The Archaeological Museum occupies a dominant position on the west side of Syntagma Square in Nafplio, built in 1713 under Provveditore Agostino Sagredo during the second Venetian period. The building was originally constructed as a storehouse for the Venetian fleet, as recorded in the Latin inscription embedded in its façade, carved into a marble slab bearing the relief lion, symbol of Venetian rule.
If you're wondering what's inside, the short answer is: one of the most important collections of Mycenaean finds in Greece, headlined by a 3,400-year-old suit of armour that's been worn again — by Greek marines.
The Building
This is a mature Renaissance structure, measuring 33.50m x 13.70m and standing 15.60m tall, with symmetrical horizontal and vertical composition. The ground floor stands out for its rusticated stonework and five-bay arcade, supported by four piers rather than columns. Externally, arches and pronounced projections around the openings emphasise the building's imposing character, while inside an arcaded colonnade divides each floor into two aisles. The fan-shaped wooden roof cornice is a distinctive feature of local eastern-influenced architecture.
The building was later used as a barracks, and during the German occupation it housed German interrogation offices. It became a museum in 1926, when finds from the Swedish Archaeological Institute's excavations at Asini and Dendra were officially handed over to the Greek government during General Theodoros Pangalos's visit to Nafplio. The second-floor gallery was organised specifically for these finds and named the "Swedish Hall."
What You'll See: Key Exhibits
The Dendra Panoply — the museum's star exhibit. A bronze Mycenaean suit of armour from the late 15th century BC, found in a chamber tomb at Dendra, considered the finest surviving example of Mycenaean defensive armour in the world — the only complete example of its kind in Greece. It has even been reproduced and worn by Greek Armed Forces marines as part of archaeological research into how Mycenaean warriors actually fought in it.
The Lord of Asini — an iconic find from Ancient Asini.
The Panathenaic amphora and Linear B tablets — among the most important evidence of Mycenaean writing and administration.
Finds from across Argolida — Franchthi Cave, Tiryns, Midea, Dendra, Berbati, Asini, Kazarma, Palaia Epidavros. Paleolithic hearths from the Kleisoura rock shelters at Prosymna, dated to 32,000-21,000 BC — among the oldest traces of human presence in the region.
The museum spans two floors: the ground floor covers prehistoric finds (Paleolithic through the Bronze Age), the second floor covers historical periods (Iron Age, Geometric, Archaic).
Practical Information
Address: Syntagma Square, 21100, NafplioPhone: +30 27520 27502 · Email:
Opening Hours 2026
- Monday, Wednesday-Sunday: 08:30 – 15:30
- Closed Tuesdays
- Good Friday: 12:00 – 17:00
- Holy Saturday: 08:30 – 15:30
Ticket price: Contact
Time needed: 45-60 minutes for a full visit.
See Also
What's the most important exhibit at Nafplio's Archaeological Museum?
The bronze Dendra panoply, a Mycenaean suit of armour from the late 15th century BC — the finest surviving example of Mycenaean defensive armour and the only complete one of its kind in Greece.
When is the museum closed?
Every Tuesday. Other days it's open 08:30-15:30.
What building houses the museum?
A 1713 Venetian building, built as a storehouse for the Venetian fleet under Provveditore Agostino Sagredo.
How long does a visit take?
45-60 minutes for a full tour of both floors.
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