Did you know that Santorini is not only a beautiful island in Greece, but also the real kingdom of tomatoes? Small, sweet, juicy, cherry tomatoes are one of the few vegetables grown on the island. Santorini also has a rich history of tomato processing. What’s more, there is a real Tomato Museum on the island.
History of the museum
This is the Museum of Industrial Tomato Production of D. Nomikos, set up in a former real factory, that operated on this site from 1945 to 1981. Factory closed when most of the tomato crops were eradicated on Santorini and the factory’s activities ceased to be profitable.
The tomato factory was transformed into a very interesting museum in 2014, which allows us to travel back in time to a bygone industrial era.
Museum exhibition
The exhibition of the Tomato Museum of Santorini shows the whole process of the traditional production of tomato paste, from cultivation to processing and packaging.
In the museum you can admire antique machines, tools, old labels, documents, as well as archive photographs and a documentary film presenting the history of the factory and its workers.
Most interesting exhibits:
- tomato processing machinery from 1890 ,
- handwritten accounts,
- first labels used,
- footage of interviews with former employees.
Cultural Centre
On the factory premises, apart from the museum, there is a cultural centre which organises various workshops and educational activities for both children, young people and adults. In the summer season various cultural events, concerts and festivals are organised here.
Location of the museum
The museum is located in the village of Vlychada, situated in the southern part of Santorini, near the beach.
Practical information
The Santorini Tomato Museum welcomes all visitors every day from 10 am to 6 pm (except Mondays). Tickets:
- Normal – 10 Euro
- Reduced – 6 Euro (children 12 – 18 years, seniors over 65 years)
- Children under 12 years – free
Guided tours are available. You can also use a special electronic audio guide available in several languages.
A special museum shop is located in the museum, where you can buy many attractive souvenirs, gadgets, publications and local preserves. You can even label your own can of tomato paste.
Motorised tourists can stop their car in the street along the museum wall.
