Cycladic Folklore Museum of Benetos Skiadas, Paros

The Cycladic folklore museum has been created singlehandedly by Benetos Skiadas. He has created the museum on his property, just outside Aliki, near the airport. The museum is run by Benetos and his wife Popi.

When you arrive at the museum you will see many functional miniatures set in the grounds, in amongst the olive trees.

Exhibits of Cycladic landmarks include:
• the monastery of The Virgin Mary Hozoviotissa of Amorgos
• the Virgin Mary of Tinos
• the torpedo boat “ELLI”
• the famous light house of Andros
• the Venetian Castle of Parikia which was built in 1260 on the remains of the ancient temple of goddess Dimitra
• the first Kafeneio of Paros
• a traditional watermill, 3 meters height, which can actually grind up 10 kilos of wheat per hour!
• a traditional blacksmith's workshop, equipped with all his tools
• the dovecote of Tinos
• the ancient theater of Milos
• the cave of Antiparos.

Inside the museum building you will see the miniature ships created by Benetos, which have won him several awards for his craftsmanship.

• a three-masted sailing ship
• a cargo vessel like the ones that took part in the battle for Greek Indendence in 1821, with cannons which are exact replicas of those found in the Athens War Museum.
• a replica of the “Moschanthi”, a passenger boat that served the Cyclades from 1940 until 1960, traveling from Piraeus to the islands.
• a replica of Benetos own fishing boat.

The craftsmanship of these vessels is truly remarkable. This museum is well worth visiting, and is especially appealing to children.