Experience Ancient Greece: A Musical Journey

Following a recommendation by a friend and the many excellent reviews we booked a tour in early October while on a short visit to Thessaloniki. We were met by Fotis, our guide for this tour, who proved to have great knowledge allied to playing skills and all delivered with good humour. The display of instruments was fascinating and modern updates such as some of the materials used and the tuning systems were well explained. We were given the chance to try some of the instruments which was a pleasure if a little discordant at times! A further highlight was the water-powered keyboard - a quite incredible design for an ancient instrument. We can only endorse the many recommendations for this museum - this should be on anybody’s itinerary when visiting Thessaloniki!

We enjoyed our tour from start to finish. Our guide was knowledgable and personable. We learned about the history of ancient Greek musical instruments, with the focus being on the lyre. The fun part of the tour is that because these are replicas of the original instruments we were allowed to try our hand at playing them. If you have any musical interest, this is the tour for you.

This is the little gem that will be your best vacation memory. A truly unique place curated by a charismatic and knowledgeable guide- I will remember this place for its brilliant mix of history, culture, entertainment, and the museum staff’s genuine love of sharing ancient music. Go!

Our experience at the Seikilo museum was incredible. Their mission of instruments needing to be "played, not displayed" rings true with the amazing professional lyre player beautifully demonstrating the reconstructed instruments. Whether you are a musician or not, hearing the ancient songs -- especially the epitaph from which the museum is named -- is a poignant experience that we will never forget. Thank you for having us, and keep up the great work!

I was lucky enough to gain a spot on the incredible tour these luthiers offer of the eir passion project! Reimagining the use of the ancient lyre (and kithara), the mainstay of Ancient Greek music. We often attempt to recreate images of what Ancient Greece looked like. This is the closest I’ve ever felt to what Ancient Greece actually sounded like. Absolutely delightful!! Now I see lyres everywhere in sculpture and painting, and I can hear the music!!! One of my fave experiences in Thessaloniki!

I was the only person in the group, but the whole tour was superb from beginning to end. It combined two of my chief interests - music and Greek history/culture. And I learned a lot - also great to try out some of the instruments ….although the noise produced wasn’t always so mellifluous, unlike that made by the wonderful guide/musician. So glad to have done that - and recommend other visitors to do the same.

Theodore was a delightful and very knowledgeable person. The handmade instruments are beautifully made and beautifully played. If you love music you will love this experience.

You don't have to be an expert of ancient musical instruments to appreciate this captivating and interactive visit - it's enough to be curious about history, Greek mythology and music! I was fortunate to have a personal guided visit through the museum of instruments and really appreciated all the care and attention given from everyone at the museum in answering my questions. If you want a cultural experience that is not touristy at all, this is your place!

We had a wonderful tour of the history of the music of Ancient Greece. This is an amazing experience, done by experts who are very obviously dedicated to keeping alive this important part of world history. Music comes alive during the tour by the tour guide and professional musician, Lena. All around, a great experience well worth the time.

We had a wonderful time learning about this instrument and how to play it a bit. This was a great opportunity and we would suggest it to anyone.

I went to Seikilo museum by chance, during a weekend in Thessaloniki. I could not expect such a beautiful place. Theodore welcomed me very kindly and explain me about his family of great luthiers and musicians. The collection of the museum has several perfect reconstructions of ancient instruments which have magnificent sounds. I study archaeomusicology and we started to talk a lot about ancient music and experimental archeology and Theodore let me play some instruments. We have a lot of common interests and I hope to meet him again, maybe in Sicily! I suggest Seikilo to everyone, is one of the most interesting places in Thessaloniki!

I was told about this by a friend who enthused wildly about it, so i thought I'd take a look. I'm so glad I did! This was an amazing tour of a room full of extraordinary musical instruments, which the luthier had made based on images of ancient lyres and harps. Also there were bouzoukis and baglamas from the 19th century. It was fantastic to have such a detailed explanation of the instruments, and even more astounding to hear them played by the talented tour guide, one of the luthier's sons. It was a real highlight f my time in Thessaloniki - thank you so much!

This was such a fascinating tour. The musical instruments were beautiful objects, all with their own unique sound and stories attached to them. A really interesting way of imagining the past. Definitely going to recommend Seikilo to friends and family when they visit Thessaloniki!

I loved my stay in Thessaloniki, but this was a definite highlight. Theodore is so knowledgeable and enthusiastic about this music and the beautiful instruments his family make and play; and he really makes you comfortable, which I had worried about, not being a musician. Do seek out Seikilo; if you're coming from the White Tower end of Vas. Irakleiou, it's towards the end of the street on the left. Look for the sign, go down the entry, and take the stairs or lift to the first floor- it's the door on the right. Just book first. Well worth a visit for an education in ancient music!

Thodoris passion makes this tour AMAZING. It is clear that the whole family/team put a great effort for presenting this and it is even more great because it combines mythology, Greek history, music and live music. And all of these right in front of you!Great experience, couldn't recommend it more.

The tour was amazing! Theodore is full of knowledge and kind! Most recommend!! The place is beautiful

The team behind Seikilo have done such an amazing work to bring to us all the history of ancient Greek music and instruments. We visited this place on our recent family trip to Thessaloniki and I can definitely say that it was an amazing experience! Theodoros explained in detail the evolution of musical instruments from ancient Greece to today. He played all instruments and explained every single detail regarding the origin, the materials, the history behind them. Keep up the good work guys!!!

As a professional musician knowledgeable in early music, I couldn't be more surprised to find what Seikilo offers in such a modest establishment. The instruments are well researched; they look lovely and sound amazing. Theodore gave us a pleasant and accessible tour which everyone enjoyed (not only the musician). He plays very well on each and every one of the instruments presented. As mentioned, the staging is modest yet well-made and tasteful. Bottom line: a magical experience. Go there. It's a rare undertaking, its cultural value is priceless, and they need our support.

In this show room you can see ancient lyres as appeared in Homeric Hymn and ancient board games. It is a must!

Interesting story and impressive activities, they do in terms of Ancient musical instruments creating. Touching music, passionate guide!

Just awesome, highly recommended for everyone! I admire what these people are doing, really professional and passionate about their culture!

A fantastic experience for everyone who loves music! You immerse yourself in the origins of our music, musical instruments. Congratulations to the creators and the musician who presents the instruments playing them! Thank you!

Super great to learn and hear the history of music! Definitely recommended to participate and follow! Answer many questions and are eager to teach you everything! Worth 100% money

Very interesting from the historical and cultural point of view as well as musical. The presentation was warm and quality. I'm not used to putting so much money into a cultural tour but I'm very happy I did.

We visited the gallery with a group of children from Syria, who have a special connection with the music and they liked it very much!! We came closer to music and to ancient Greece, we knew something new!! We highly recommend it!!

Seikilo is a 360° association of music professionals. I had the pleasure not only to attend this association of musical archaeology experts, but also to admire the instruments made. Real masterpieces. Instruments that are the result of great craftsmanship and technical-sound expertise. Moreover, the continuous musicological research done by Seikilo with universities and international experts has allowed them to recreate sounds considered lost in time. With Seikilo, therefore, music lovers will have a unique opportunity to learn about the melodies of Ancient Greece. An experience not to be missed.