Arta Museum of Classical Antiquities

The archaeological collection housed in the Refectory of the one time Parigoritissa Monastery includes exhibits unearthed mainly during three excavation programs in Arta, as well as in the Arta Prefecture in general. In seven of the windows containing the collection are exhibited terracotta and bronze vases, idols (figurines), jewelry and various small items.
Of special interest are the clay idol molds and their contemporary preliminary models (patrix) found in the workshop of Satyros, a coroplast, (=creator of maidens, modelled figurines of dolls) in the 4th century BC. In two windows, finds from two cemeteries of the ancient city are shown, while in two more windows finds of excavations in both Ambracia and other areas in Arta Prefecture are on exhibit.

Terracotta figurines and relief tablets found in Koudounotrypa Cave are also worth the visitor's special attention. This cave was dedicated to the worship of the Nymphs, Hermes and Pan.
Additionally larger finds are exhibited: Funerary Stelae (Tombstones - 4th century BC. and Hellenistic times), inscribed Votive statue pedestals and a few sculptures.
Especially important to the history of Ambracia in particular and of Iperus in general is the inscribed stele with a pediment-formed top which saves the text of a treaty for setting the borders between Ambracia and the neighboring city of Charadros. (Please see photo)

The Museum Collection covers a very long period, from the Palaeolihic Era until Roman Times. The exhibits dated from Prehistoric Times, as well as those from the Geometric period that followed, are very few. There are a number of Archaic finds, including pottery of local manufacturing, ancient copies of Corinthian vases as well as imported genuine Corinthian pottery dated from the 6th century BC. The Classical Period is represented by the greatest number of exhibited items, mainly terracotta, Black-figure and Red-figure pottery, produced locally or imported from other parts of the country like Attica, figurines, bronze vases and coins.

The fact that this Museum is housed in a building of historic and artistic importance of its own, namely the preserved ex monastery of Our Lady Parigoritissa, adds extra interest to our visit.