Churches and Monasteries in Santorini


Santorini is abundant with more than 250 churches of all shapes and sizes. The ecclesiastical architecture of Santorini is notable for its delicacy and plasticity. Both features stem from the free creative imagination of the local folk craftsmen.

The Panayia Episkopi:
(Episkopia Gonia)
This is the most important Byzantic monument, near the village of Mesa Gonia, founded by the Byzantine Emperor Alexius I Comnenus.
There is a rare example of marble-carving combined with wax decoration to be found here. The fresco's of the church date from around 1100.

The Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral:
located in Fira center, overlooking the volcano and the sea. The original church was built in 1827. It was rebuilt after the earthquake of 1956, which destroyed the church. The frescoes inside were painted by Christoforos Assimis, a local artist of exceptional talent.

The Prophitis Ilias Monastery:
Above Pyrgos village, on the
highest mountain of the island, the Monastery of Prophet Elias guards the island since centuries. It was founded at 1711.
Apart from the carved wooden templon, the monastery houses important old books, manuscripts, a collection of ethnographic material and a collection of holy treasures.
It also operates a folk museum and icon-painting studio.

TheCatholic Cathedral:
This baroque church, with its elegant bell tower, was rebuilt after the earthquake of 1956. It is dedicated to St John the Baptist and is part of the Catholic Quarter in the center of Fira.

The Dominican Convent:
Located in the Catholic Quarter, in the center of Fira, with 12 nuns from different countries. The convent church, named Rozaria, is a fine example of santorinian architecture embellished with baroque features.

The Agios Nikolaos Monastery:
This monastery lies between Firostefani and Imerovigli. It was founded in 1651 and is dedicated to three saints, Panteleimon, Zoodohos Pigi, and Nicholas. The monastery houses a fine Byzantine icon of Saint Nicholas.

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