Folklore Museum Sykaminia

If you are visiting the north coast of Lesvos you simply must visit the Folklore Museum Sykaminia. It has beautiful views across the Aegean Sea to Turkey and gives a wonderful insight into life in Sykaminia around 1900. Sadly, most visitors head straight to Skala Sykaminias to photograph the picturesque harbour with the church of the Mermaid Madonna. Both the harbour and the church are worth visiting, but be sure you stop off at the charming Folklore Museum Sykaminia for a 100-year journey back in time.

Sykamina clings to the side of Mount Lepetymnos on the northern coast at 300 metres above sea level. The entrance to the museum is easy to miss even though it is on the main road. Look out for the (small) sign on the road and see the map below.

There is a lot of confusion about the name of the village (and the fishing port below). If you look through the photographs here and then do an internet search, you will find the following spellings (and more) are in frequent use:

Sikaminia
Sykaminia
Sikaminea
Sykamia
Skamia

So I decided to ask the two ladies in charge of the museum which spelling was correct. They replied Skamnia, so that’s all clear!

As of August 2016, the Folklore Museum Sykaminia had no printed information available in any language and the volunteers who help out only speak Greek. This should not put you off. The exhibits are pretty much self-explanatory. If you have questions email me (include a photo of the subject) and I will try to find the relevant information.

Inside the museum is the Stratis Myrivilis Hall, the room is dedicated to the famous author. There are some fantastic old photographs which we found totally fascinating.

Another room is set out as a school room of the period, complete with school books and handwriting samples. What a comparison to the computer age classroom!