Archaeological Collection of Kasos

The old town hall of Fry houses one of the most historically dense museums on the island: vases, coins and inscriptions covering thousands of years of habitation, next to exhibits dedicated to the revolution of 1821 and the Holocaust of 1824. A walk through its premises is essentially a walk through the history of Kasos itself.

The Archaeological Collection of Kasos is housed in a specially designed space of the old town hall in Fry, in a building of local folk architecture. The exhibition brings together finds from all over the island — vases, coins, architectural members and objects from the cave of Ellinokamara, inscribed Hellenistic stone slabs from the prehistoric acropolis in Poli, as well as Minoan finds from Chelatro. In the basement of the building, a traditional Kassian house has been recreated, with authentic utensils and tools of the era, giving the visitor a more tangible image of everyday life on the island.

The collection is organized into four thematic sections, which follow the island’s history almost chronologically: the prehistoric period, the cults and settlements of historical times, the findings from the necropolises, and—finally—a section dedicated to the Holocaust of 1824 and the organization of the traditional Kassian house. This structure is not accidental: it allows the visitor to read the history of Kass as a continuous narrative, from the first prehistoric settlements to the most traumatic chapter of the island’s modern history.

Practical information

The Collection operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture, through the Directorate of Archaeological Museums, Exhibitions and Educational Programs. Opening hours vary slightly depending on the source and the time of year — some reports give daily hours 08:30–15:30 except Tuesday, while others state opening hours Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00–13:00 and 18:00–20:30, mainly during the summer season. Due to this variation — but also because museum hours may change based on weather conditions, as has happened during periods of heatwave — it is always recommended to confirm before visiting, either through the official website of the Municipality or by phone, at +30 22450 41277.