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Mineralogical Museum of Lavrio

It's about time to post some material for another important and historical place of Lavrio - Mineralogical Museum.

Established in 1984 by the Society of Studies in dedication of the memory of Andreas Kordellas (1836 - 1909) the main personality who had revived the modern mining and industrial era of Lavrio.

The building is the old Concierge room of the Mineral - wash Plant and it is a noteworthy example of the 19th industrial architecture. In its showcases we can find 550 samples of the minerals in Lavrio, some of which are unique. Among the large and amazing collection of minerals there are tools and equipment of the miners and some bronze and lead coins from the 4th century BC. 

The Museum is open on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays 10:00 am to 12:00pm

Ancient Theatre of Thorikos

Thorikos Theatre

One of the oldest in Europe, the most underestimated sightseeing in Attica, situated at the south slope of the hill Velatouri and  a constant disagreement between the local authorities and municipalities.
The Ancient Theatre of Thorikos was constructed between 525 BC and 480BC. Its peculiar characteristic is the ellipsoid scheme seat structure instead of the known semicircular arrangement and its capacity is 6000 seats. The Theatre faces the south and consists one of the best classes I have ever had. During my lyceum years we had the opportunity to enjoy some classes Ancient Greek language and civilization.

The little bay in the south east part, was the commercial natural harbour of the area and in the west part of the theatre the visitors are able to visit the ancient mineral basins and have an idea about the old mineral washing system.

In the north of the theatre, just right behind the Velatouri peak, visitors with an enormous appetite for hiking and motivation for exploration, can access the mycenaean catacombs (1600 - 1100). In the posted photos you can see clearly that my cousins and I we have a lot of that ☺.

Velatouri Peak ( valadis - thanos - nick )

Velatouri - North Side

supports

mycenaean catacombs

The main sectors of the theatre were constructed  between 525-480 bC but later in the 4th and 3rd century there were more interventions concerning capacity or structural issues.
I personally believe that that's an exceptional place for a visitor to spend 30 minutes of the few available hours someone has when visiting the area.

Main Points of Interest in Lavrio

Those are the main points of interest in the area of Lavrio -Kamariza - Sounio :

1. Poseidon's Temple in Sounio

2. Thorikos Theatre in Lavrio 

3. The basis of Dimitra's Temple

4. Mineral Museum of Lavrio 

5. Archeological Museum of Lavrio

6. Mineral Museum of Kamariza

7. "Chaos" in Kamariza 

8. Ancient Mineral Laundries in Agrileza

9. Cruise Terminal in Lavrio Port

There are so many other small but historical landmarks in the town like the old Fish Market or the old susbsidised houses of the old French Mining Corporation which I am going to use them for my upcoming posts 

introducing #lavriotecca

This is my effort to provide some information and material for #lavriotecca to visitors coming every year from all over the world to enjoy the unique sunset and the stunning view from Cape Sounio to the Aegean Sea.
Unfortunately, in the majority they miss the opportunity to have a look at the Ancient Theatre of Thorikos which is situated 13 kms northern or pay a visit at the local museums where the local history and treasure of Lavrio is kept.  Lavrio, is a small town situated at the south part of Attica just 35 kms from Athens international airport, 60 kms from Athens centre and just 10 kms from Cape Sounio where the famous Temple of Poseidon stands for more than 2000 years. Famous by its long history, silver-lead mines and its heavy industrial zone developed early in the 20th century. Also, Lavrio has the biggest National Park in Attica province, where it lies on the mountain range to the west and south for about 35 square kms.

Furthermore, Lavrio consists of an attraction for ferries, cruise ships, yachts, charter companies and fishing boats because of its big natural port and the facilities which are developed in the surroundings.
I hope you will find a portal to this wonderful part of Attica - Athens through my blog

lavrio - sounio panoramic

 Enjoy wandering .