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TRADITIONAL VILLAGES
IN SANTORINI |
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 The
island capital of Santorini, Fira clings to the edge of a cliff, which is,
in fact, the rim of the
volcano
crater. It is 900 feet above the landing port and
about 800 broad, zigzagged steps up from the port. You either take the
donkeys or mules up the winding steps or modern-day travellers prefer the
cable car. Climbing the steps with a mule had been a tradition on Santorini for years, until 10 years ago when the cable car, also known as
the "teleferique," was
built
and made things easier for tourists who had luggage
to carry with them as the mules were overworked. Fira is a comparatively
modern town, with houses built mostly during the 19th century when the old
Venetian capital at Skaros became untenable due to earthquakes. The
architecture is a jumble of Cycladic and Venetian, side by side. There is
an abundance of taverns, hotels, discotheques and shops. It is the largest
town on the island and has gained preference with travellers because it is
central and access to other parts of Santorini is made easy by either taxi
or bus. Wondering through the white cob bled streets of Fira, a town of
about 2,000 inhabitants; one gets the feel of the old-world charm blended
in with the modern day comforts. |
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Imerovigli means day watch, it is at the highest spot of the rim of the
caldera (300 meters high), is near Fira and a place which should not be
missed while on Santorini. It is a spot where one can take magnificent
pictures of the unique scenery the island offers. At Imerovigli, there is
a huge rock called Skaros which is the remain of the Venetian castle
destroyed by the earthquakes. Because of its proximity with Fira, it is
connected with a public road or by the old path, offering a tremendous
views as you walk along the rim. It's only a 20-minute walk and one that
must be on your itinerary. Taverns, restaurants, bars, hotels and rooms to
rent are plentiful in Imerovigli. |
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 The
traditional settlement of Oia is located on the northern part of the
island, high on the cliff-top. Oia hosts the most magnificent views on
Santorini and a picturesque road, with cliffs on one side and sea on the
other, leads to this attractive town. A square overlooks the sea and
visitors are encouraged to observe a truly fantastic sunset well worth
saving on film. Directly below is the beach of Amoudi across the bay are
the Burnt Islands. Amoudi, accessible only by foot, is 214 steps below,
and Armeni beach is 286 steps below. The architecture of Oia is typical
Santorini with houses sunk deep into the volcanic soil, their whitewashed
walls and blue domes sparkling in the sunlight. Oia in 1900 had close to
9,000 inhabitants with virtually all of them mariners and who today many
live in Piraeus. The earthquake of 1956 caused a lot of damages in the
village. Oia today hosts a maritime museum, a cultural centre, a central
art gallery and many other Greek art galleries. Many shops sell
handicrafts, souvenir, jewellery and other items to help you remember your
visit. Oia is the ideal spot to enjoy a peaceful vacation surrounded by
unique natural beauty.
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 A
beautiful village, centrally located, Messaria is surrounded by gardens
and vineyards. Just four kilometres from Fira to the southeast,
transportation is available toward and from every possible island
destination. During the last few years the village of Messaria has seen
the building of luxury accommodation and a variety of specialty shops.
Messaria also produces the famous Santorinian wine. The churches of
Metamorphosis Sotiros and Agia Irini, both build between 1680 and 1700,
are worth visiting, as is the Metropolis church. Messaria has a Cycladic
charm with its picturesque white washed houses and tiny winding street
paths. One of the most impressive sites in the village is the Argiros
mansion, built in 1888. Take a pleasant stroll among the shops and when
you feel like getting a bite to eat, good food and entertainment can be
found in the numerous quaint taverns. The hospitality of its friendly
people gives one a warm feeling and a promise of an easy hassle free stay. |
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The village has some fine old houses, the remains of a Venetian castle on
the hilltop and several Byzantine churches; the most notable is the
Theotokaki, with some interesting frescoes. Monastery of Profitis Ilias is
three kilometres from the village. |
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The
village suffered greatly during the 1956 earthquake and many of its
residents abandoned it to settle in the village of Kamari. However the
village has made a comeback of late and is worth visiting for its
traditional architecture. Nearby is the village of Exo Gonia from were one
can visit the famous church of Panagia Episkopi. |
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A village built on the most irrelevant part of the island about 12 km from
Fira to the southwest. The excavations in that area brought up the city of
Acropolis, a fortified Venetian castle during the medieval years, which
after the occupation Santorini by the Turks was torn down. The remains of
the castle are easily visible. There are two old churches in the village,
Agia Triada and Ipapandi tou Sotiros.
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A
village about nine kilometres from Fira. The churches of Agia Anargyri,
Isodia Theotokou and Agios Nikolaos Marmaritis on the road to Emporio are
worth seeing. Agios Nikolaos Marmaritis took the name Marmaritis because
it is all made by "Marmaro", that means marble. The church kept its Doric
style of the fourth century in touched after it was converted to a
Christian one. |
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A large village built on the centre of the plain with small picturesque
streets that add to the village's beauty. Emporio also had a fortified
castle during the medieval years, vestiges of which are still visible.
North of the villages there is a strong, square building named "Goulas",
in which the village people protected themselves from the pirates.
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