For a stay in Dion, you can plan around three distinct cultural interests: finds from the archaeological site, an event in September, or the techniques and history of mosaic art. The Archaeological Museum of Díon, “Olympia en Dio” and the Centre for Mediterranean Mosaics represent these different ways of exploring the area. Timing also matters when planning your trip: would you like to travel in September, or plan your days around the current dates for courses and seminars?

Museum and archaeological site

The Archaeological Museum of Díon is on the south side of the modern settlement, 500 metres from the entrance to the archaeological site of the same name. The modern museum building was constructed in 1983; it houses finds that come mainly from the archaeological site of Díon. The museum and the site are therefore two separate points of reference for orientation, and the stated distance is to the site entrance. If you plan to visit both, check the current visitor arrangements for each separately.

Exhibits at the Archaeological Museum

The ground floor displays, among other things, statues of Dionysus, Isis and Aphrodite Hypolympidia. Another highlight of the museum is the hydraulis: it is considered the first instrument of its kind found in Greece and the oldest of its kind discovered anywhere in the world to date. The three statues offer a specific point of reference on the ground floor; the hydraulis, meanwhile, invites comparison between the history of finds in Greece and worldwide. The display of individual objects may change; if one of them is the reason for your visit, check the current exhibition.

The Ancient Theatre on the edge of the settlement

The Ancient Theatre of Díon is on the edge of the settlement and seats 4,000 people. As a theatre, it is a different cultural point of reference from the museum collection; its capacity gives a concrete sense of the scale of the venue.

“Olympia en Dio” in September

“Olympia en Dio” takes place every September and includes performances of ancient tragedies as well as sports competitions. Bringing together tragedy performances and sports competitions makes the event both a cultural and a sporting occasion. If you would like to plan your stay around it, September is the relevant month to travel.

Mosaic art as a learning focus

The Centre for Mediterranean Mosaics in Dion offers educational programmes and seminars for artists and visitors who would like to learn more about the techniques and history of mosaic art. This is a different approach from viewing archaeological exhibits: the focus here is on learning, techniques and history rather than individual finds.

Cultural interests and finding a hotel

When looking for hotels in Dion, it helps to decide first on the reason for your trip and then on the dates. “Olympia en Dio” gives you a month to plan around—September; for educational programmes and seminars at the mosaic centre, check the current dates. For the museum, the current exhibition is what matters if you are visiting to see a particular object.

Discover more destinations: Skotina Anatolikos Olympos, Elatochori, Paralia Skotinas, Korinos, Neos Panteleimon, Pydna, Platamonas, Methoni.

For the regional travel overview: Pieria.