Μετάφραση 
House of Lazaros Kountouriotis
The House of Lazaros Kountouriotis stands prominently on the western side of Hydra's harbour and is one of the island's finest examples of a traditional Hydra mansion. Built in the late 18th century during Hydra's period of economic and maritime prosperity, the mansion belonged to Lazaros Kountouriotis, a prominent shipowner and political figure who played an important role during the Greek War of Independence.
During the Revolution of 1821, the mansion was a meeting place for important discussions concerning the struggle for independence and hosted prominent Greek and foreign figures of the period.
In 1979, the house was donated to the Historical and Ethnological Society of Greece by Kountouriotis' great-grandson, Pantelis Kountouriotis, and his wife Frosso, with the aim of transforming it into a museum. Following extensive restoration and conservation work, the historic house opened to the public in 2001 as an annex of the National Historical Museum.
Particular care was taken to preserve the mansion's original architectural features and historical character while creating exhibition spaces for the public.
What to See
The museum is arranged over three levels, with each floor presenting a different aspect of Hydra's history, art and traditional life.
The ground floor, housed in the former cellars, features paintings by the distinguished Greek artists Pericles Byzantios and his son Constantine Byzantios. Pericles Byzantios had a close connection with Hydra and spent much of his life on the island, where he also served as director of the School of Fine Arts. Many of his works depict Hydra and its landscapes.
The main living floor recreates the domestic environment of the Kountouriotis family. Visitors can see period furniture, household objects, mirrors, tableware, paintings, family portraits, personal belongings and family heirlooms. Furnishings from both Eastern and Western traditions are combined with local elements, reflecting the wealth and cosmopolitan character of Hydra during the period.
The upper floor houses historical and folklore collections of the National Historical Museum, focusing particularly on traditional Greek art and island culture. The displays include traditional costumes from Hydra, Spetses and other Greek islands, as well as jewellery, embroidery, textiles, ceramics, woodcarvings and household objects.
Among the notable exhibits are traditional costumes associated with members of the Kountouriotis family, including the costume of Lazarina Kountourioti, as well as traditional Hydra scarves. The collection also includes impressive examples of traditional silverwork, ceramics and decorative objects that illustrate the artistic tastes and social conditions of the period.
The upper-floor exhibits extend beyond Hydra, presenting traditional art and costumes from different parts of Greece, including Macedonia, Thrace, Asia Minor, Epirus and the Aegean islands. This wider collection places Hydra's cultural heritage within the broader context of traditional Greek life.
A Historic Hydra Mansion
The House of Lazaros Kountouriotis offers more than a collection of museum objects. The preserved rooms, architecture and furnishings provide an insight into the lifestyle of one of Hydra's most influential families and the prosperity the island experienced through shipping and trade.
Its location overlooking Hydra harbour also makes it an easy attraction to include while exploring the historic centre of the island.
