Santorini is the island of volcanic origin in the Aegean Sea in the form of a rings. Santorini make up the islands of Tira, Tiracia, Palea-Kameni, Na-Kameni and Aspero. Some of the islands are desert, for example, Na-Kamen. And the Tira (or Fira) is perhaps one of the most popular for tourists, therefore, it is usually called Santorini. About 14 thousand people live on a dash and as much as much as more, and more, they come annually to improve health, relax and tan. These islands are insanely beautiful and have an ancient history. The oldest population of the islands appeared here at the 3000 BC. e.! True, if there were no powerful volcanic eruption, and the tsunami caused to them, which happened here about one and a half thousand years before. E, many of the oldest cultural monuments and architectures would reach our days. In general, these places are very beautiful and interesting, and, of course, there are visits. The largest city of Tiry, so it is exactly necessary to go there, because all the main sights are also concentrated there. But what can be viewed here and where to go:
Venetian fortress in Ye (Venetian Fortress OIA)
It is located in the north-west of the island, on the very edge of the cape. Once this construction served to observe pirate ships that sailed to the city on the ships. The fortress as if hanging over the sea. The image of the fortress is printed on postcards, magnets, pictures and calendars that can be bought in the city. The fortress is often used as an observation platform, from where wonderful views of the city and the sea are opening. And here it is very cool to come and watch the most romantic sunsets. By the way, there were one of the scenes of the film "Lara Croft: a breakdown of tombs."
Milles Oia
These snow-white windmills are very small, and everything that surrounds mills is as white - the look is just wonderful!
Church of St. COOH OF ST.SOZONT)
This Orthodox Church is one of the most visited. It was built in 1680 in honor of the Christian martyr of Sozona, who was killed by the orders of Emperor Maximian. On the island celebrate the day of the memory of Sozona on September 20. The church is incredibly beautiful, and if you get around the church and turn to the sea, you can observe the flight of birds carrying over the waves. Types are just incredible!
Antique Fira (Ancient Thira)
In this area there is a unpelled number of architectural monuments, which relate to 8-9 centuries BC. It just does not fit in my head! Of course, the buildings of such ancient reached today's days in the form of fragments, in particular, elements of stone masonry of residential buildings and temples, theater and market square. This archaeological area can be found on the hill between Kamari and Perissa, at the foot of Mesa Mesa Vejo, from where a picturesque view of the surroundings.
Monastery Ilya Prophet (Profitis Ilias Monastery)
This temple is built on top of the Mount of Profitis Ilias, which rises 550 m above sea level, 3 km from Pyrgos. The temple was built on this place in 1711 the monks. Today, the monastery is a museum, which is replete with old icons and relics, as well as old manuscripts. Also inside the monastery there is a chapel where you can put a candle. The serpentine road to the monastery is quite good, and near the temple can be easily parked. The monastery sell goods that produce monks: wine, honey, vegetables, etc. By the way, this is a very time-consuming process, because the slopes of the mountains are covered with volcanic rocks. The monastery surrounds a handsome lush garden. And from the mountain, such a wonderful look opens!
Cathedral Fira (Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral)
The cathedral was built in 1827 and significantly suffered in the middle of the last century from the earthquake, but he was quickly restored. Outside the temple is incredibly beautiful, numerous elegant arches and bell tower are decorated, as well as mosaic paintings by the third quarter of the 20th century. The internally decoration of the cathedral amazes, in particular, the frescoes.
Santorinian donkeys
These donkey figures are the island's business card and the main character. Statues can be seen all over the island. The most interesting thing is that the donkeys are degraded with the most unusual ways, and there is not a single repeating donkey. And even donks can be seen in the form of images on postcards, drawings on souvenir bags, and, of course, these are soft toys that all souvenir benches are simply littered. As for living donks, it is possible, for example, overcome the rise of 204 steps, on the back of the donkey.
This lifting is from "Donkey Station" in a narrow serpentine, laid out a stone. Of course, many are simply sorry for hardworking animals, but donkeys - the strength of the locals who drive them through the serpentine.
Cathedral of St. Mina (Agios Minas)
The church, built in the 17th century, is incredibly beautiful, snow-white, with a bright blue roof. The image of the temple is printed on all products, which is connected with Santorini. There is a cathedral in Fir.
Sculpture "Sphinx"
The sculpture is located on the roof of one of the houses, next to the Venetian fortress in Ie. Scientists have not yet come to a common opinion about this statue. But, of course, there is a legend on her account: one of the local rich brings this statue from Egypt, because there he was told that this Sphinx could guard the city. Guards the city statue in this way: she meets travelers and ask them complex riddles. If the traveler answers the question, the Sphinx left him alive and let go to the city. If the traveler kneaded the Sphynx broke the poor man into parts. So, that rich was put off the sphinx on the roof of the house, so that he guarded the town from stupid idlers who were going to settle in the city.
Church Panagia Episkopi (Panagia Episkopi Church)
The temple with an orange tiled roof was built by decree of Emperor Alexey's first somewhere 1100 year. Cathedral on the ruins of the early Christian Basilica of the 3-4 centuries of our era. Thus, the Church today is the time of the Byzantine Empire, the most preserved temples in Greece. The church can be found in the village of Mesa Ria. Many come there to look at the most valuable shrine, the ancient portable icon "Panagia Glycoophilus", (or the "The Sweet Kiss of the Virgin") - it is considered a miraculous. The church is not easy fate, raids and plunders have made many times on her, fires happened here, the church survived during a powerful earthquake - the locals believe that the church is defending the highest strength ..