One Greek Urn Needed

[buelah111]

I'm hoping the experienced Greek Island cruisers amongst this group can help me with a bit of shopping planning.

 

When I was a child my mother had an authentic Greek urn she had received as a gift well before my time. One day our cats got a little too enthusiastic in their game of chase and knocked it off the hearth, leading to the immediate demise of said urn. At that point I made a 12 year-old's promise to my mother that I'd replace it someday.

 

Well, it has been almost 25 years and my husband and I will be on the Constellation this spring making several stops in Greece. I plan to finally make good on my promise (though I'm sure my mother has long forgotten). We have stops in Mykonos, Rhodes, Athens and Santorini. Where would you suggest I shop? I know Rhodes is known for it's pottery, but I'm not sure if there will be even better options if I wait until Athens.

 

Any suggestions would be much appreciated!

[cruisemom42]

Cute story. :)

 

Assuming that what you are looking for is an authentic replica of an antique urn, you should have no shortage of choice in several of your Greek ports (Mykonos, Rhodes, Athens particularly). In general I think prices tend to be higher on the islands and lower in Athens, but there's not so much difference that I'd wait if you find the "urn of your dreams" in another port....

 

Now if you want an authentic urn, you may get into some trouble as you'll either have to excavate one at an archaeological site (and smuggle it out of the country) or rob one of the many great museums in Greece.

[buelah111]

Yes, definitely a replica! My definition of authentic in this context was that it was made in Greece. Totally fine if the one I find was made this this year! :-)

[rosebuds]

Can't help with the shopping, but you are right about the pottery in Rhodes. There was a lot of pottery on display when we visited the Archaeological Museum a few years ago, loved our visit there. Hope you find your urn!

[zqvol]

They are everywhere. All of the tourist gift shops have them.

[nick_arch]

You 'll find lots of cheap versions around tourist areas. In Athens the main strip to find them is near Acropolis Museum, in Plaka area.

Roadmap here: https://goo.gl/maps/F1xHeVxXo452 and that's basically a walk through the lower parts of Plaka area.

 

Some museum shops also have certified replicas of higher quality ( and price ). Material, weight and depiction are of higher quality that the cheaper versions sold in tourist shops.

Benaki Museum in Athens is the best source in my opinion.

Their location is here: https://goo.gl/maps/mVm5wohiYtv and their online shop ceramics page, to take a look, here: http://benakishop.gr/en/8-ceramics

Edited December 9, 2015 by nick_arch

[marysb]

There are many cheap touristy replicas in almost any souvenir shop, but if you are looking for a hand crafted and hand painted urn, the. You must check out a wonderful little art gallery shop on the Plaka in Athens. All vases and pottery is made on the premises by Demitri and hand painted by his wife Sofia. They are very beautiful and not too expensive for hand made item. Check them out on trip advisor. SJS DesIgns.

 

http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g189400-d6509309-Reviews-SJS_Designs_Ceramic_workshop_Gallery-Athens_Attica.html[/url