Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
4. THESSALY TREASURE
This stunning display of Hellenistic and Roman gold jewellery from the 3rd-2nd
centuries BC employs filigree and granulation (beads of gold soldered onto metal) to
produce minutely crafted earrings, necklaces, bracelets and diadems. The decorative
band above has a knot of Herakles at its centre.
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5. PAINTINGS BY EL GRECO
Domenikos Theotokopoulos (1541-1614) became known as El Greco while living in
Spain. Two early works here, completed while the artist was still in his native Crete,
include
The Adoration of the Magi
, influenced by the Venetian School.
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6. MID-18TH-CENTURY RECEPTION ROOM
The richly painted and gilded wooden ceiling and panelled walls of this room - a
reconstruction from a Macedonian mansion - recall a time when these crafts flour-
ished in the region, as local merchants prospered under Ottoman rule.
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7. A SECOND ROOM FROM KOZANI
Another reconstruction from Macedonia, this mid-18th-century reception room fea-
tures a minutely carved wooden ceiling, ornate built-in wooden cupboards and a low
seating area, complete with Persian rugs and cushions, and a wrought-iron coffee
table.
8. GREEK INDEPENDENCE MEMORABILIA
Finely decorated swords, sabres and rifles, a painting of a long-haired moustachioed
freedom fighter from 1821 and a portable writing desk belonging to Lord Bryon are
among the displays.
9. CAFE
Cultural overload? Take a break on the rooftop terrace café overlooking the trees and
lawns of the National Gardens.
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