Just a short drive from the luxurious comfort of Athina Luxury Suites lies a hidden treasure nestled in the narrow alleys of Megalochori—one of Santorini’s most enchanting traditional villages. This treasure is the Symposion Cultural Center, a place where the past sings and the present listens. Housed inside a restored winery with vaulted ceilings and centuries-old stonework, Symposion is a dynamic cultural space that redefines how we experience music, mythology, and heritage.
For travelers seeking authenticity and connection beyond the postcard-perfect views, Symposion offers an unforgettable encounter with ancient Greek culture—alive, immersive, and emotionally stirring.
A Winery Turned Cultural Haven
The setting alone is captivating. Symposion is located in a historic winery, once used to store and age Santorini’s famous wines. Today, its cool stone walls and elegant vaulted cellar provide a stage for something far more ethereal: the sounds and stories of Ancient Greece.
The center is the vision of Giannis Pantazis, a celebrated Greek musician and traditional instrument maker, and his wife. With passion and reverence, they have transformed this once-forgotten space into a living museum, an artisan workshop, a musical venue, and a storytelling haven. Every corner invites curiosity—whether it’s the hand-carved lyres hanging from the walls or the display of pan flutes and percussion instruments made with the same techniques used thousands of years ago.
The Meaning of Symposion
The word Symposion comes from the Greek “συμπίνειν” (sympinein), which means “to drink together.” In ancient Greece, a symposion was a social gathering centered around shared wine, conversation, and intellectual exchange. True to its name, this cultural center fosters a space where visitors come together—locals and travelers alike—to connect through music, myth, and shared human stories.
As you sip a glass of local Assyrtiko wine in Symposion’s charming mini botanical garden, surrounded by fragrant herbs and rustic stonework, you realize: this is not just a museum. It’s a celebration of life and legacy.
Why Music? Why Mythology?
Because both are gateways to the eternal.
Music and mythology are two of the most enduring expressions of culture. As the anthropologist Claude Lévi-Strauss famously wrote, “It is as if music and mythology needed time only in order to deny it.” They exist both in the moment—fleeting and intimate—and in timeless stasis. At Symposion, these elements come alive in tandem. Guests are not merely observers; they are invited to listen, learn, play, and become part of the mythic fabric of Greece.
Instruments like the ancient lyre, the frame drum, and the panpipes are not just displayed—they are played, taught, and shared. With the guidance of skilled artisans, you can even create your own flute or test your hand at plucking the strings of a lyre once played in Homeric times.
What You Can Do at Symposion
- Discover Rare Ancient Instruments:
Explore a collection of hand-crafted replicas of ancient instruments, including lyres, pandouras, syrinxes, and more—each lovingly built using historical methods and natural materials.
- Join Interactive Workshops:
Participate in hands-on sessions where you can build your own instruments or learn how to play them, guided by experts who are passionate about reviving Greece’s musical heritage.
- Enjoy Live Performances & Storytelling:
Experience evening concerts that blend mythological storytelling with traditional Greek melodies. These performances, held in the intimate vaulted setting, are emotional, magical, and soul-stirring.
- Visit the Mini Library & Photo Exhibit:
Spend quiet moments in the small, vaulted library filled with texts and scrolls on mythology and music. Don’t miss the photographic exhibit detailing the building’s transformation from wine storage to cultural sanctuary.
- Relax in the Botanical Garden:
Step into the peaceful outdoor garden, sip local wine, and soak in the serene ambiance of Megalochori’s old-world charm.
A Unique Experience
Symposion is an easy and enriching addition to any Santorini itinerary. Our concierge team is happy to assist with planning your visit—whether it’s a private workshop, a musical evening, or a curated cultural experience. It’s a perfect way to spend a quiet morning or a meaningful sunset hour, deepening your connection to the island’s deeper soul.
A Cultural Retreat Like No Other
Symposion is not just a place—it’s an experience. It embodies everything that makes Santorini magical: history, art, nature, and soul. Whether you’re seeking quiet reflection, creative inspiration, or simply a break from the ordinary, Symposion offers a window into Greece’s eternal song—one that echoes long after your visit.
Plan your visit to Symposion from Athina Luxury Suites and rediscover the beauty of Greek heritage—one note, one story, one shared sip at a time.
Panagiotis Inglesis is the co-owner and General manager of Athina Luxury Suites, along with his wife Mrs.Artemis Argyrou. Together they had a vision to create one of the best boutique hotels in Santorini and today they continue their vision…Athina Luxury Suites is considered one of the top hotels on the island.