THE ISLANDS OF SANTORINI

The Santorini group of volcanic islands, possesses characteristics that are enough to satisfy the most demanding visitor. Geological formations ( caldera, volcanoes), antiquities ( the settlement of Akrotiri dating back to prehistoric times and ancient Thira dating back to the classical period), Byzantine monuments ( the Basilica of Agia Irini in Perissa, the Church of Panagia Episkopi in Mesa Gonia), medieval buildings ( Kastella and Goulades), post – Byzantine buildings (monasteries, churches). Also, endless pitch-black or deep red beaches, multi-coloured cliff-like rocks, pathways, old thermal springs, the town and villages with their characteristic ecclesiastical and folk architecture. Luxurious or traditional hotels and restaurants, coffee shops and bars with unique views, seaside lodgings, restaurants and entertainement. These very special characteristics have made Santorini known not only as the number one tourist destination in Europe in 2006 and the second in the world, but also as the most romantic island of Greece. We invite you to visit this unique group of islands of Santorini, to know its beauties and to enjoy wonderful experiences like so many thousands of visitors have already done!!!

GEOGRAPHY

Santorini’s group of islands is consisted of Thera, Thirasia, Aspronisi, Palea and Nea Kameni ( volcanoes) islands and is located in the most southern part of the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea, 63 nautical miles north of Crete. The surface area of Thera is 73 sq. km and its population, distributed among thirteen villages, is 13.600 people, according to 2001 census.

HISTORY

The human presence on the island seems to be existed since the middle of the 3d millennium B.C. The excavation at Akrotiri has confirmed that man’s activity on the island continues until the eruption of the volcano in around 1500 B.C. which entirely buried the island beneath very thick layers of pozzuolona. All traces of human activity vanished from the island until the end of the 13^th century B.C.

According to Herodotus, the island was initially called Strongyle ( the Round One). Later, because of its beauty, it was called Kalliste ( the Fairest One) . To Kalliste, came the Phoenicians and there they settled. After the Phoenicians, the Lacedaemonians arrived and gave the island the name of their leader, Theras. In the 9^th century B.C. Thera, became an important point on the communication route between the East and the West of that era and adopted the Phoenician alphabet for writing the Greek language. In about 630 B.C. Therans reached the north coast of the African continent where they founded Cyrene, the only Theran colony. During the Classical period in Greece ( 5^th and 4^th century B.C. ) Thera did not play an important role in Hellenic events. During the Peloponesian War Thera sided Sparta, as expected. In Hellenistic times the island’s strategic position made Thera a precious base from which the warring campaigns of the successors of Alexander the Great were launched in the Aegean.

Within the Roman Empire, Thera was nothing more than an insignificant small island. However Christianity reached early the island and an organized church was already existed by the 4^th century A.C. The island was of neither political nor military significance in Byzantine times although Alexius I Comnenus ( 1081 -1118) founded the church of Panagia Episkopi at Gonia. After the fall of Constantinople to the Crusaders of the Fourth Crusade ( 1204) the Duchy of Naxos was founded and Thera became the seat of one of the four Catholic Bishops of the Dunchy. The name Santorini was given at that time by the Crusaders after the church of Agia Irini ( Santa Irene) which some say was at Perissa and others say was at Riva on Thirasia.

In the years of Frankish rule ( 1207-1579) although Santorini experienced the development of cotton cultivation and viticulture, the island suffered as much from piratical raids as from the rivalries between the local Latin rulers or between the Duke and the Sultan.

The Turkish dominion ( 1579-1821) resulted in the abolition of piracy and the development of international trade. The Santorinians created close contacts with the great harbours of the Eastern Mediterranean ( Alexandria, Constantinople, Odessa) where they founded important communities.

In 1821 , Santorini with its shipping strength, took part in the fight for independence from the Turks, and in 1830 became part of the independent Greek state. Up until the beginning of the 20^th century shipping, textiles, tomato production and viticulture were all flourishing. The change from sail to steam-driven ships and also the transportation of the island’s factories to mainland Greece had a great effect on the island’s economy. After the 1956 earthquake there was a huge decrease in the population and an economic catastrophe. Towards the end of the 70’s tourism began to develop, bringing economic relief to the island.