Culture of Santorini. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

The island of Santorini keeps numerous unique landmarks and sites among which tourist will find remarkable archeological areas. A recommended spot to visit for tourists during Santorini vacation is the ancient city of Acrotiri which is located in the southern part of the island. In 1860 local workers discovered ancient constructions and buildings on the area. A result of long years of archeological digging has become an incredible finding being a scale territory with plenty of prehistoric constructions. Their reconstruction and renovation lasts till present days. The crown of the collection of this museum complex is a huge selection of fresco paintings.

To go on exploration and learning of archeological landmarks and sites of the island tourists are recommended to pay a visit to the Thira city which is a capital of the island. The city has preserved numerous ruins and remnants of Byzantine churches and fortifying constructions, the ruins of the Temple of Apollo as well as ancient tombs aged more than two thousand years. One of the most beautiful architectural constructions of the capital of the island is the St. Minas Church. Close to this religious landmark tourists will discover the largest Archeological Museum of the archipelago.

Another remarkable historical object to visit is the Profitis Ilias Monastery which is placed on a slope of the highest hill of the island. The monastery was established as far back as in 1711 by two monks. For a long time the monastery served as a secret school in which local children studied culture and Greek language secretly from Turkish governors. At present a part of the monastery building is transformed into a museum and in front of the museum tourists will find a perfectly equipped observation platform opening a vibrant view of the destination. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The city of Pyrgos, a former capital of the island, keeps plenty of remarkable landmarks and sites of tourist attraction. Its main symbol has for many years been the Church of Pangea Episkopi with its inestimable relic being the icon of Virgin Mary. A trip through the winding streets of Pyrgos will be full of unforgettable impressions as the views have almost not been changed for long centuries.

The main feature of the city is plenty of ancient churches and monasteries. Most of them are now transformed into museums and art workshops. In the suburbs of the city tourists will find a small fortress, remnants and ruins of antique constructions. Tourists who will lack local landmarks and sites should visit other islands of archipelago. Each of the islands can boast plenty of unique inimitable nature attractions and historical objects.

The city of Ia (or Oia, as the Greeks call it), attracts tourists from all over the world with its places of interest. Nonetheless, the snow-white village itself is a major attraction. Its magnificent houses, snow-white churches with blue domes, and windmills towering over the coast have long been the hallmarks of the whole island. The picturesque village expanses attract those who love taking beautiful photos like a magnet. Also worth visiting are the city’s magnificent beaches with black volcanic sand. Among the city’s iconic sites, it is pointing out the Agios Georgios Church, which can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. For those who want to take great pictures, it is well in place to point out that the best views can be found at dawn.

The picturesque Agios Nikolaos Church is also situated here. This is one of the island’s oldest churches (the first building on this site dates back to the 10th century). Another great place that deserves to be visited in the city of Ia is the Church of Panagia. It has an amazing interior decoration and the spaciousness and charm of Orthodox churches. The church was the first to welcome travelers, after undergoing restoration after the earthquake of 1956. It is located on the village’s main street. Here in Ia are also the Byzantine Castle Ruins. Built in the Byzantine period, the castle was reconstructed in the Venetian period (in the 15th century). It was named after St. Nicholas, following the example of the nearby church. After the 1956 earthquake, the fortress fell into disrepair, after serving the island with faith and truth even during the Ottoman period.

The Naval Maritime Museum, where tourists can learn more about the maritime history of the island, and the Museum of Musical Instruments, a cultural center that introduces visitors to traditional Greek musical instruments, are among the interesting cultural sites in the picturesque village. The city also has a number of art galleries, the best of which is the Oia Treasures Art Gallery. Megalohori with its narrow streets, pastel flower houses and picturesque churches is another interesting village for a walk. Unlike Ii, Megalohori is more isolated with no crowds of tourists. At the Wine Museum Koutsogiannopoulos, you can learn about the history of winemaking on the island (located in Votonas), and the history of tomato juice production at the Tomato Industrial Museum (located in Vlihada).

Skaros Venetian Fortress is the oldest castle in the city. It is located in Imerovigli, close to a beautiful natural attraction – the Skaros Mountains, which offers an incredibly beautiful view of the coast and the entire island. It was built in the thirteenth century, just after Santorini became part of the Duchy of Naxos. The castle was the main one on the island for a long time, and Skaros – Santorini’s capital. The fortress was destroyed after the 17th-century earthquake and was no longer restored. At the foot of the summit, tourists committing a raid into the mountains are waited for by the beautiful church Ekklisia Theoskepasti, which is especially beautiful in the rays of the sun striving for sunset.

Emporio is renowned for its beautiful Castelli of Emporio built in 1450, during the Venetians rule of the island. It was once the busiest place in all of Santorini – the fact is that there was a market here where there was a full swing in trade in a wide variety of goods. The beautiful windmills that have become her trademark, give the village of Emporio a special charm. It should be noted that the city itself is also very picturesque and isolated compared to the most “tourist” city of Santorini, Ia. For those who love hiking, it is worth highlighting a stunning trail in its picturesque nature, motley because of the traces of hundreds of tourists – Hiking Trail Fira - Oia. The volcano Santorini and the Zoodochos Pigi Cave are also of interest – you should make an excellent excursion to both locations.

The capital of the island of Thira is interesting not only for being the location of the above-mentioned places of interest but also for the beautiful Lignos Folklore Museum situated here, which allows you to get to know the local people’s traditional life. Here in the city, there are great theater performances in The White Door Theatro. Another museum, the Megaro Gyzi Museum, introduces visitors to the island’s very interesting history. Particular attention is paid to the volcanic eruption that occurred about four thousand years ago. It is noteworthy that some scientists associate the myths about the disappeared Atlantis with this eruption. In the cultural facility of Santorini Arts Factory, visitors can enjoy one of the great concerts or exhibitions that often take place here.