Open-Air Museum of Dispilio, Kastoria
The Dispilio Open-Air Museum in Kastoria is one of the most important prehistoric archaeological sites in Europe, showcasing a reconstructed Neolithic lakeside settlement dating back approximately 7,500 years.
It offers visitors a vivid, experiential understanding of what a Neolithic village would have looked like.
Created in 1997–1999 as a complement to the ongoing excavations of the nearby Neolithic settlement conducted by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the museum is based on archaeological research findings and aims to provide an accurate reconstruction of prehistoric daily life. The concept was inspired by Professor Giorgos Hourmouziadis, the director of the excavation.
The museum presents reconstructed dwellings and installations that illustrate everyday activities such as cooking, storage, and tool-making. The exhibits are based on replicas of original archaeological finds and are arranged thematically to help visitors easily understand their use and function within Neolithic society.
As an open-air museum, it combines education and archaeology, offering a unique way to experience prehistoric life in close connection with the natural lakeside environment of Kastoria.
