Undoubtedly, one of the most important landmarks of the Magnesia Prefecture is the Pavlos Nirvanas House in Skopelos town. The famous Modern Greek scholar was born in Skopelos, and his real name was Petros Apostolides. Now serving as the History Museum of Skopelos, this is the building where the author spent his childhood.
The building was established in the first half of the 19th century and was renovated in 2004-2005. The house was rebuilt into an exhibition space of history, recounting the island’s journey from ancient times to the present day.
It is a true example of Skopelitian architecture, a typical form of the “Macedonian style”, and has remained unchanged over the years. Located in the district of St. John, it provides an exquisite view of the amphitheatrically arranged town of Skopelos and its picturesque harbor. Initially, the building was owned by the Pavlos Nirvanas family; however, it was later turned over to private owners until 1998, when the Municipality of Skopelos purchased it on condition that it be used as an exhibition center for the history of the town.
The Pavlos Nirvanas House is part of the culture of the Sporades Islands. Apart from Pavlos Nirvanas, another influential figure in modern Greek letters also lived in the same house for a short period of time: the author Alexandros Papadiamantis, who at a young age was hosted by the Nirvana family while studying in the old School of Skopelos. This two-story house is mainly stone built with distinctive architectural features, such as its masonry style called “wattle” (or “tsatmas” in Greek), and the façade’s covered gallery (called “sachnisi”), a dominant element in the local traditional architecture.
It is worth visiting this beautiful building and allowing yourself to be fascinated by the way the museum has captured and portrayed a modern and inspiring version of the island’s history.
OPENING HOURS
Daily: 11:00-15:00 and 18:00-22:00
Entrance: 1€