Komboloi Museum

It is considered the first and only museum in the world dedicated to the komboloi (Greek worry beads). The founders have been collecting and studying komboloi since the 1970s, building a unique international collection that includes prayer beads and worry beads from Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Catholic, Orthodox, and Greek traditions, as well as rare historical Greek komboloi dating from 1550 to 1950.
The permanent exhibition is located on the upper floor of the building and is organized into four rooms. Room A presents Hindu, Buddhist, and Muslim prayer beads, while Room B focuses on Christian Orthodox and Catholic prayer beads. Rooms C and D are dedicated to Greek komboloi, showcasing their historical development and cultural significance.

On the ground floor, there is a workshop where traditional komboloi are crafted and restored. Visitors can observe the production process and see how beads are made from materials such as amber, bone, shell, coral, crystal, and resin. The workshop also restores antique komboloi brought in by families, often free of charge.

The museum also includes a shop where visitors can purchase replicas of historical komboloi, authentic antique pieces from the period 1880–1950, keychains made from komboloi beads, and handmade amulets. Custom-designed komboloi and accessories are also produced for gifts and business purposes.

Since its opening, the museum has attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors and has been featured in numerous Greek and international media outlets, highlighting its cultural importance and uniqueness.

Located in a privately owned two-storey building at 25 Staikopoulou Street in Nafplio’s old town, the museum operates under the supervision of the Greek Ministry of Culture. Its mission is to preserve, study, and promote the tradition of the Greek komboloi.