Akrotiri Excavations
Prehistoric Akrotiri on Santorini was one of the most important settlements in the Aegean Sea. Today it continues to challenge historians and archaeologists. It is also a fantastic place for
Santorini » Attractions » Monuments » Archeological sites
Prehistoric Akrotiri on Santorini was one of the most important settlements in the Aegean Sea. Today it continues to challenge historians and archaeologists. It is also a fantastic place for
Ancient Thera in Santorini was an ancient city that was located in the south-eastern part of the island on a rocky mountain called Mesa Vouno, over 360 meters above sea level. Currently, this place is adjacent to two very popular towns on the opposite sides of the mountain – Kamari and Perissa.
Above the village of Kamari, below the Sellada Pass (separating the massifs of Profitis Ilias and Mesa Vouno), south of the cave and church of Zoodochos Pigi, we find the remains of an ancient necropolis – the former cemetery of ancient Thera.
On a hill located north-west of the town of Emporio, on a rise of volcanic ash, stands a lone, dilapidated windmill. But it is not the most interesting thing about this place.
Near the village of Vlychada and Cape Exomitis, on the southern slope of Gavrilos Hill, are rock-cut ancient tombs (also known as Ancient Echendra) dating from 400-200 centuries BC.
At the northern end of the village of Perissa, at the foot of the peak of Mesa Vouno (365 m), there are unique archaeological excavations – the ruins of the church of St Irene from the 13th – 9th centuries AD. It is probably from it that the island of Santorini takes its name.
At the steps leading up to the Kira Panagia Church, about 80 m before entering its grounds, there is a cave entrance hidden in the rocks, 1.35 m wide and 1.7 m high. Behind the entrance is a corridor about 3 m long. The main chamber is about 20 m long and 15 m wide.
The temple of Agios Nikolaos Marmaritis in Emporio on Santorini is a somewhat forgotten curiosity – a fully preserved temple from ancient times, whose construction dates back to the 3rd century.
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