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Badge of the Sacred Band
Badge worn on the caps of the Sacred Band soldiers of Alexandros Ypsilantis. This is the only surviving example.
Patras · Peloponnese
Museum of the Historical and Ethnological Society of the Peloponnese
What we safeguard today,
becomes tomorrow’s memory.
Since 1968, the Museum of the Historical and Ethnological Society of the Peloponnese has preserved and showcased records, heirlooms, and stories connecting Patras and the Peloponnese to defining moments in modern Greek history.
The Museum
A place of history in the heart of Patras
The History of the Museum
In 1968, twenty residents of Patras joined forces to found the Historical and Ethnological Society of the Peloponnese, with the aim of preserving and promoting the region's historical heritage.
Immediately after its legal founding, the Society's members, together with many other residents of Patras, mobilized to establish a Museum and gather historical heirlooms.
The Museum is housed on the 6th floor of the Megaro Logou kai Technis, on George I Square, in a space granted by the Municipality of Patras, where it has continued to operate without interruption for more than half a century.
A Collection That Keeps Growing
The Museum's collections span the final centuries of Ottoman rule through to modern Greek history, and include historical heirlooms, artworks, engravings, weapons, costumes, documents, photographs, medals, and personal belongings of notable figures.
Through donations and new additions, the collection continues to grow, keeping the connection between past and present alive.
The Collections
Discover Selected Exhibits
Figures, struggles, and moments of modern Greek history come to life through the objects and records in the Museum's collections.
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Death Mask of Theodoros Kolokotronis
Bronze cast copy of the death mask of Theodoros Kolokotronis, taken after his death.
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Gospel Cover Fragment
A Russian-crafted Gospel cover that had been placed on the body of the hanged Patriarch of Constantinople Gregory V at his burial in Odessa in 1821. It was recovered during his exhumation in 1871 and transferred to Athens along with his remains.
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Keepsakes of Dimitrios Gounaris
Personal belongings of Dimitrios Gounaris, including his eyeglasses, a pen holder, and a vessel bearing his monogram, along with two Grand Cross decorations awarded to him.
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Medal and Knight's Diploma of the Legion of Honour of Jean Moréas
Ioannis Papadiamantopoulos, known as Jean Moréas (1856–1910), was a poet with roots in Patras who became a prominent figure in French letters. The French state named him a Knight of the Legion of Honour in recognition of his literary contribution.
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Balaska (Cartridge Pouch)
Wooden cartridge pouch engraved with depictions of Saint George and Saint Demetrius.
Your Visit
Useful Visitor Information
- Location
- Megaro Logou kai Technis, 6th floor
- Address
- George I Square, Patras
- Admission
- Free, by scheduled appointment
- Visitors
- Schools, organized groups, and individual visitors
- Guided tours
- Available by appointment
Collaborations & Publications
Through collaborations and publications, the Museum broadens its reach and contributes to the research, promotion, and dissemination of historical and cultural heritage.
Cultural Collaborations
The Museum collaborates with cultural organizations, associations, and institutions throughout Greece. Of special note is its partnership with the Mesolonghi music-history association "Dionysios Solomos."
Publications
- The Archive of the Vlachopapadopoulos Family of Patras (1720–1905)Kostas N. Triantafyllou · 1983
- The Marriage and Baptism Registers of the Greek Community of LivornoKostas N. Triantafyllou · 1986
- Psifides Palingenesias (Mosaics of the Greek Rebirth)Edited by Christos Athanasiou Moulias · Patras, 2021
Frequently Asked Questions
The Questions We Hear Most Often
The essentials our visitors often ask before planning their visit.