Discover Santorini’s Ancient Heritage
History & Culture
Discover the fascinating history of Santorini through its archaeological sites, where ancient civilizations and centuries of culture come together. From the remarkable prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri to ancient Thira and historic ruins across the island, explore the stories that shaped Santorini and uncover a different side of its timeless beauty.
Akrotiri
Visiting the prehistoric city of Akrotiri is not just recommended! It’s a must, not only for history lovers, but for all visitors who want to get a deeper meaning of Santorini’s culture and civilization!
In ancient times the island of Thira was one of the most significant cities in the Mediterranean area, as it was a major cultural and commercial center. The settlement of Akrotiri, strategically located at the north-western part of the island, played an important role in the island’s growth thanks to its trade relations with Crete, Cyprus, Egypt and Syria. Although the first evidence of habitation dates back in the Late Neolithic Era, it was not until the Bronze Age it reached its peak! The trade of copper, the agriculture and the shipping led to the city’s development and to a flourishing way of life. Unfortunately, around 1600 BCE this great community was destroyed by a major volcanic eruption while ash and lava covered Akrotiri as well as the whole island. Unlike Pompeii, no human remains were found in Akrotiri. This suggests that there have been warnings of volcanic activity and people had time to evacuate the area. According to archaeologists, beds were discovered outside of the residences which means that people were sleeping outdoors because of small earthquakes that occurred before the major eruption.
Start your trip to Akrotiri by visiting the excavations site to get to know how life was thousands years ago! What makes this experience so fascinating is that the ash has almost perfectly preserved the findings and you can admire everyday objects and works of art such as paintings or frescoes. Wander around the ancient houses, the sophisticated buildings and the narrow stone-paved streets and feel the aura of the past surrounding you! The site is covered by a bioclimatic roof that keeps the findings protected and that allows visitors to escape the hot sun. Most of the objects found are related to everyday life, including vessels, tools, jewels, clothes, furniture etc. However the impressive frescoes are maybe the most significant findings. The murals reveal the inhabitants’ love for the sea and the natural world as they largely represent animals, plants and flowers. The colors used include white, yellow, red, brown, blue and black, while the pigments were mineral based and thus have resulted in the preservation of the wall paintings.
Following the archaeological site, you can visit the village of Akrotiri, one of Santorini’s five fortified settlements. La Ponta, the Venetian castle that was built around 1335 AD, served as a shelter and refuge and today it is a great spot to enjoy the beautiful panoramic view!
Ancient Thira
On the top of Mesa Vouno mountain, almost 360 meters above the sea, Ancient Thira reveals a great civilization!
At the southeast coast of Santorini, Ancient Thira was founded by Dorian colonists in the 8th century B.C. Its location high above the Aegean Sea and its steep slopes that served as a natural fortification, made it the ideal spot built their town that constituted a powerful urban, administrative and religious center for more than 1000 years. Throughout these years, the ancient city of Thira was inhabited and conquered by different civilizations, including the Ptolemaic dynasty, while in the 4th century BC it was a naval and military base of Egypt due to its strategic location. It is worth mentioning that Thira was among the first cities to adopt the Phoenician alphabet as the basis of Greek writing. The excavations have revealed a very sophisticasted society and cosmopolitan society thanks to its connections with other people of the mediterranean region. The archaeologists discovered several important artifacts, a paved road, two cemeteries, an ancient theater, markets and baths!
One of the most important monuments is the Sanctuary of Artemidoros. It was founded in the 3rd century BC by Artemidoros, the son of Apollonios. Artemidoros carved the outdoor sanctuary out of stone himself while epigrams and inscriptions in honor of the gods and Artemidoros have been found around the sanctuary! Don’t forget the Terrace of the Festivals where the men danced naked to pay tribute to Apollo during the “Karneia” celebrations. Scattered around the archaeological site, you will see Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine ruins that give you the chance to take a glimpse of the city’s glorious past!
Of course the view from this spot is another reason why you must include a visit to Ancient Thira in your schedule! Perched on the cliffs, it offers an incredible panoramic view to the Aegean Sea and the surrounding islands while the ancient ruins induce a unique feeling!
Castles of Santorini
Located in strategic positions and extending from the northern to the southern part of the island, the ruins of Santorini’s castles (“Kastelia” as the locals call them) tell us a unique story and they offer us breathtaking views on the Aegean and the volcano! Let’s start this fascinating tour!