NOMOS KYKLADON

THIRA

Population (according to 2021 census): 14.393

History

From Strongyli to Kallisti: The History of Thera

Santorini: The history of an island that emerged from the sea

Κοντινό από το διάσημο Ηφαίστειο της Σαντορίνης

-Santorini (Thira) is the southernmost island of the Cyclades and one of the most recognizable geological phenomena in the world. Its capital, Fira, is located in the central-western part of the island, built on the edge of the Caldera, 260 meters above sea level. -The history of Santorini begins thousands of years ago, with its volcanic activity determining its fate and shape. -The island was originally round (hence the name Strongyli). It was also named Kallisti ("the most beautiful") by the Phoenicians. -During the Bronze Age, the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri flourished in the south of the island (around 3000-1600 BC). It was an advanced urban city, influenced by the Minoan civilization of Crete, with multi-story buildings, elaborate frescoes (exhibited at the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira), and an organized sewage system. -The Minoan Eruption, which occurred around 1600 BC, is one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions in recorded history. The explosion blew up the central part of Strongyli, submerging a large part of the land and creating the present-day Caldera (the large sea basin) and the island complex (Thira, Thirasia, Aspronisi, Palea and Nea Kameni). Many scholars even link this particular catastrophe to the myth of Plato's lost Atlantis. -Around the 9th century BC, the island was resettled by Dorian colonists from Sparta, led by Theras, who gave the current official name to the island and the city. Theras founded the city of Ancient Thera on the summit of Mesa Vouno, a strategic location. This city flourished during the Hellenistic period, when it became a naval base for the Ptolemies of Egypt, and continued to be important during the Roman and Byzantine eras. -After the Fourth Crusade (1204 AD), the island came under the rule of the Venetians, who named it Santorini (from the church of Santa Irini in Perissa). For protection against pirate raids, fortified settlements (Kastelia) were built, with the Kasteli of Skaros (in present-day Imerovigli) as the capital, which was the administrative center. -By the mid-18th century, the Kasteli of Skaros was gradually abandoned due to frequent earthquakes and the cessation of pirate raids. The inhabitants began to move towards the present-day location of Fira, which until then was primarily an agricultural area with vineyards and kanaves (traditional wineries and cave cellars). -Fira, which took its name from the alternative pronunciation of Thira, was chosen because of its geologically safer location and better access to the port (Ormos). It quickly became the island's commercial and administrative center, attracting wealthy families who built mansions. The Catholic quarter, where the descendants of the Franks settled, was created in the north of the city. -On July 9, 1956, a major earthquake (known as the Amorgos earthquake) caused extensive destruction in Santorini, with Fira and Oia suffering the greatest damage (destruction of 85% of the infrastructure).

Traditions

Santorini: Tradition, Customs, and Culture on the Volcano Island

The Living Tradition of Santorini: Customs, Festivals, and Culture

-The tradition of Santorini is deeply rooted in its unique environment: the volcano, the sea, and the struggle of its inhabitants for survival on an arid but mineral-rich soil. -Panigiria (Feast Days/Saint's Days) are the most vibrant expression of this tradition. They are celebrated in memory of the Saints (such as Prophet Elias, Panagia Platsani in Oia, Saint George, etc.). During this time, the churches are cleaned, the icons are adorned, and the path to the church is often strewn with rosemary (alismari). Often, the expenses are covered by the owners of the private chapels or through fundraising. The men undertake the cooking of large quantities of food in cauldrons (such as bean soup or fava), and wine flows freely. Dancing follows, accompanied by traditional instruments like lutes, violins, and bagpipes (tsambounes). -Distinctive among the Easter celebrations are: -The custom in Pyrgos Kallistis, where during the procession of the Epitaph, the entire village is lit up with "denekedakia" (small tin lanterns with fire) placed everywhere, creating a unique, solemn, and impressive atmosphere. -The custom of the Cross of Lazarus, where on Lazarus Saturday, a large cross made of ship wood, decorated with rosemary and flowers, is erected in the square of many villages, symbolizing the Resurrection. -Every year in August (usually after the 15th of August), a spectacular re-enactment of the volcano's eruption takes place in the Caldera, using fireworks and flares launched from Nea Kameni. It is a celebration that honors the geological history and the power of nature that shaped the island. -The traditional architecture of the Caldera (Fira, Oia, Imerovigli) is characterized by the cave houses (yposkafa) and the kanaves (traditional wineries). They were built into the soft volcanic soil (the "Thera earth"), offering natural insulation (cool in summer, warm in winter) and protection from the strong winds and earthquakes. -In the agricultural tradition, the vines are shaped low to the ground in the form of a "kouloura" (a basket or wreath) to protect the grapes from the strong Aegean winds—an ancient cultivation technique.

Local products

Santorini Gastronomy and its PDO Products

Flavors and Products from the Land of the Volcano

-Santorini, due to its volcanic soil and special climate, produces unique products with a distinct flavor and high quality. Some of the island's most famous products have been recognized as PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) by the European Union. These form the foundation of the local cuisine. -Fava Santorini, with a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), is the island's quintessential product. It comes from a type of yellow pea, Lathyrus Clymenum, and has been cultivated on the island for over 3,500 years. It is a key ingredient in Santorinian cuisine. -The Santorini Tomato (Tomataki Santorinis), also recognized as PDO, is a small variety of tomato with an intense, concentrated flavor due to the lack of water. It is used for the production of tomato paste and in the famous tomato fritters (domatokeftedes or pseudo-fritters). -The island's vineyard is own-rooted (aftorizo)—meaning the vines are grown on their own roots without rootstocks—as phylloxera cannot survive in the volcanic soil. The most important indigenous variety is Assyrtiko, which yields dry white wines with high acidity. The sweet wine Vinsanto, made from sun-dried grapes, is also renowned. -Beyond its famous PDO products, Santorini also features other unique agricultural and gastronomic elements, based on its volcanic soil. Chlorotyri is a local cheese of limited production, made from goat or sheep/goat milk, with a creamy texture and a characteristic sour taste. The White Eggplant of Santorini stands out from common varieties as it is sweeter and not bitter, forming the basis for many dishes. Finally, Capers and Caper Leaves grow abundantly in the arid landscape and are used to give intensity and acidity to the local cuisine, while Koufeto is the island's traditional sweet, a paste of almonds, honey, and sugar, ideal for concluding a meal.

Tourism

Discovering Santorini: Top Places and Attractions

Santorini: A Guide to the Island's Beauty and History

Η Φήρα από ψηλά
Η άρτια αρχιτεκτονικά Καθολική Εκκλησία του Αγίου Ιωάννη του Βαπτιστή
Η πανέμορφη απογευματινή Οία και τα ήρεμα νερά του Αιγαίου

-Santorini is considered one of the world's top destinations, combining its unique volcanic landscape, Cycladic architecture, and rich history. -Fira (or Thera) is the island's capital. It has a cosmopolitan character, narrow streets, shops, restaurants, and offers an exceptional view of the Caldera. -Oia is world-famous for its unique sunset and panoramic view of the Caldera. It is characterized by its white Cycladic houses and blue-domed churches. -Imerovigli is located at the highest point of the Caldera, north of Fira. It is famous for its tranquil atmosphere and luxury hotels with breathtaking views. Nearby is the Skaros Rock (ruins of a Venetian Castle). -The largest and one of the most well-preserved traditional villages is Pyrgos Kallistis. It maintains a relative medieval character, with the Venetian Castle (Kasteli) located at its summit. It offers a 360-degree view of the island. -The top attraction, of course, is the Caldera and the Santorini Volcano (Nea and Palea Kameni). It is the heart of the island, a water-filled crater formed by the volcanic eruption. Access to the active volcano is possible both on land and around the island (remotely, by boat), while the Hot Springs (yellow, sulfurous waters), where swimming is possible, are a distinct spectacle. -The Archaeological Site of Akrotiri, also known as the "Pompeii of the Aegean," is a prehistoric settlement from the Bronze Age, buried by volcanic ash in the 17th century BC, which is excellently preserved. -The Museum of Prehistoric Thera (Fira) houses finds (such as frescoes and the golden figurine of the wild goat) from the Akrotiri excavations and the island's prehistory, while the Archaeological Museum of Thera (Fira) also houses finds from Ancient Thera.