France
The Sarafoglou Mansion – Folklore Exhibition of the Lyceum Club of Greek Women of Veria
The Sarafoglou Mansion – Folklore Exhibition of the Lyceum Club of Greek Women of Veria
The Sarafoglou Mansion – Folklore Exhibition of the Lyceum Club of Greek Women of Veria
In the heart of the historic Kyriotissa district, at 14 Ierarchon Street, stands the majestic Sarafoglou Mansion, a true jewel of Veria’s architectural heritage. Built in the 18th century, the mansion tells through every stone and wooden beam the story of the people who lived there and the city that embraced it.
In the heart of the historic Kyriotissa district, at 14 Ierarchon Street, stands the majestic Sarafoglou Mansion, a true jewel of Veria’s architectural heritage. Built in the 18th century, the mansion tells through every stone and wooden beam the story of the people who lived there and the city that embraced it.
A Mansion Full of History
Its story begins in 1766, when landowner Antonios Kampouronikos purchased the building. In the early 19th century, his daughter married merchant Giorgos Petras, and the couple made significant additions, giving the mansion its present form. Later, at the end of the century, Konstantinos Sarafoglou, owner of a watermill in Veria, married Petras’ daughter and settled in the house, giving it his name.
In 1973, the last owner, Evdoxoula Sarafoglou, donated the mansion to the Municipality of Veria. Since then, the building has been restored and awaited its reintegration into the city’s cultural life.
In 1973, the last owner, Evdoxoula Sarafoglou, donated the mansion to the Municipality of Veria. Since then, the building has been restored and awaited its reintegration into the city’s cultural life.
Architecture — A Blend of Art and Functionality
The Sarafoglou Mansion is a two-story building with a mezzanine and an inner courtyard, built in a Γ (Gamma) shape. The ground floor and mezzanine are made of stone, while the upper floors are supported by a wooden frame with the light masonry typical of the period. The courtyard, with its wooden pillars and diagonal braces, reflects the authentic aesthetic of Macedonian mansions.
The pebble-paved courtyard, the painted wooden door under the staircase, the wine press, and the “mpountouvagia” (a small water conduit) reveal the dual function of the house as both residence and production space. Inside, the large salon (the old hayati), the rooms with fireplaces and built-in cupboards, and the overhanging bay windows (sachnisia) exude the atmosphere of a bygone era.
The pebble-paved courtyard, the painted wooden door under the staircase, the wine press, and the “mpountouvagia” (a small water conduit) reveal the dual function of the house as both residence and production space. Inside, the large salon (the old hayati), the rooms with fireplaces and built-in cupboards, and the overhanging bay windows (sachnisia) exude the atmosphere of a bygone era.
From Mansion to Living Museum
In 2020, the mansion was granted by the Municipality of Veria to the Lyceum Club of Greek Women of Veria (L.E.V.).
Today, it houses the L.E.V. Folklore Exhibition, as well as all of the club’s activities. The space includes a functional costume archive with more than 450 traditional costumes, a lecture and educational hall, and an exhibition area displaying authentic objects of daily life — furniture, jewelry, and photographs that revive the traditional lifestyle of Veria’s residents.
The exhibition has been designed with deep respect for both the building and the collection itself. The two elements coexist in harmony, maintaining a delicate balance between architecture and tradition.
Today, it houses the L.E.V. Folklore Exhibition, as well as all of the club’s activities. The space includes a functional costume archive with more than 450 traditional costumes, a lecture and educational hall, and an exhibition area displaying authentic objects of daily life — furniture, jewelry, and photographs that revive the traditional lifestyle of Veria’s residents.
The exhibition has been designed with deep respect for both the building and the collection itself. The two elements coexist in harmony, maintaining a delicate balance between architecture and tradition.
A Journey Through Time — From Costume to Daily Life
Since June 1st, 2025, the mansion has officially opened its doors to the public.
Visitors can explore its authentic rooms:
• The “western room” displays dolls dressed in costumes from Macedonia and Thrace.
• The main hall (sala) exhibits jewelry, old books, handmade baby items, and pearls once worn by the women of Veria.
• The bedroom recreates a couple’s private space from the early 20th century, complete with authentic linen and dowry items.
• In the kitchen, traditional utensils, copper pots, and hand mills highlight the culinary art of another era.
The exhibition is accompanied by photo and video projections featuring oral testimonies from women of Veria, creating a dialogue between past and present.
Visitors can explore its authentic rooms:
• The “western room” displays dolls dressed in costumes from Macedonia and Thrace.
• The main hall (sala) exhibits jewelry, old books, handmade baby items, and pearls once worn by the women of Veria.
• The bedroom recreates a couple’s private space from the early 20th century, complete with authentic linen and dowry items.
• In the kitchen, traditional utensils, copper pots, and hand mills highlight the culinary art of another era.
The exhibition is accompanied by photo and video projections featuring oral testimonies from women of Veria, creating a dialogue between past and present.
A Living Cell of Culture
Today, the Lyceum Club of Greek Women of Veria continues its mission within the mansion — preserving and promoting tradition through workshops, educational programs, and cultural events.
The Sarafoglou Mansion has become a meeting place for culture and history. A walk through its rooms is a journey into the roots, the aesthetics, and the pride of the people who shaped the modern identity of the city.
Visiting Information:
The Sarafoglou Mansion and the Folklore Exhibition of the Lyceum Club of Greek Women of Veria are open:
Monday & Thursday, 10:00–12:00, or by appointment at +30 6945941596
The Sarafoglou Mansion has become a meeting place for culture and history. A walk through its rooms is a journey into the roots, the aesthetics, and the pride of the people who shaped the modern identity of the city.
Visiting Information:
The Sarafoglou Mansion and the Folklore Exhibition of the Lyceum Club of Greek Women of Veria are open:
Monday & Thursday, 10:00–12:00, or by appointment at +30 6945941596
The Sarafoglou Mansion – Folklore Exhibition of the Lyceum Club of Greek Women of Veria
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Municipality of Veria
Tourism Department
Mitropoleos 46 str. 59100
+30 2331350608
tourism@veria.gr / tourismVeria@gmail.com