Koundouriotis Mansion

Hydra Mansions: The Stone Archontika of the Sea Captains

by
Hydra mansions: the grand stone Koundouriotis archontiko above the harbour town

The Hydra mansions are the island’s most striking landmark. A set of grand stone houses that rise in a natural amphitheatre around the harbour and give the town its unmistakable character. Known as archontika, these three and four-storey mansions were built by the wealthy sea captains and merchants of the 18th and 19th centuries, when … Read more

Hydra Museums: The Historical Archives and Byzantine Museum

by
Hydra museums: the Historical Archives Museum, a grand stone building on the harbour

The Hydra museums pack a surprising amount of history and culture into a small island. Reflecting its glorious past as a wealthy seafaring power and its leading role in the Greek War of Independence. The two most important are the Historical Archives Museum on the harbour and the Ecclesiastical and Byzantine Museum by the cathedral. … Read more