Santorini Fira

What can be done in Fira (Thira)

The Excursion to the volcano and the bath in the hot springs: the Santorini volcano is formed by two small islands (Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni) of black lava located in the center of the Santorini basin and are, geographically, the youngest islets existing in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Palea Kameni is about 2000 years old, while Nea Kameni does not exceed 500 years. La Caldera offers an incredible spectacle of the villages located on the high cliffs, especially during the sunset.

You can visit the volcano by the boats that go daily. One can walk through the black solid lava walls of the volcano and discover the crater of the volcano and other breaches with sulfur vapor. It is this area you can bathe given that the waters are thermal.

What things are there to see in Fira (Thira)?

La Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral It is located towards the lower part of the city and can be seen from many points of the island. It has a patio and an impressive bell tower. The curves of the arches are reflected in the design of the dome. It has a mosaic on the outside of the cathedral, although it only dates from 1975. The cathedral dates back to the 19th century, but was rebuilt after the 1956 earthquake, so it can be said that it is quite modern.

La Catholic Cathedral It has a great contrast with respect to its Byzantine neighbors. Stresses the clock tower, beautifully adorned in which are also the bells. The interior is decorated with large religious portraits framed with pilasters. The interior dome is formed by bluish lilac and orange and cream colors. Do not forget to take a look at the confessional at the door. The cathedral has been restored and inaugurated in 1975 after suffering the earthquake of the fifties.

El Dominican convent It is located in the predominantly Catholic neighborhood of Fira and is home to twelve nuns who come from twelve different countries. It is not that difficult to locate the Convent of the Dominicans, since it is located in the center of the city. It is a convent very venerated by people who belong to the Christian faith. Inside the convent, there is a church that shines for its wonderful traditional architecture of Santorini. There is a street that meanders through the convent and if you are lucky, you can hear the nuns singing Vespers.

Museums in Fira (Thira)

El Museum of Prehistory Thera is located in Fira and the results of prehistoric times that have been excavated from Akrotiri, the ancient Thera and other areas of Santorini are exposed. Exhibits include pottery, marble statues, Akrotiri Minoan frescoes, tools and weapons.

Megaron Gyzi is where the Cyltural Center of Santorini is located. The exhibits include old maps, engravings, old photos of Santorini and a library with rare editions. In summer, many cultural events are hosted there.

El Archaeological Museum Santorini is located in Fira, the capital of the island. It houses sculptures, ceramics, statues, small vases and the results of the old Thera cemetery. The exhibition may not be as impressive as the exhibitions of the Prehistoric Museum but it is worth a visit.

El Belloni Cultural Centeror it is located in a beautiful building located in Fira. It houses a library with rare editions of the 18th and 19th centuries and frequently organizes art exhibitions, conferences, musical concerts, theatrical performances and other events.

El Folklore Museum Santorini is located in Kontohori, a suburb of Fira on the way to Oia. This museum is a private initiative of Mr. Emanouel Lignos and is located in a typical cave house of 1861. The museum includes an underground cellar with wine press, traditional craft workshops, a gallery and a small chapel dedicated to Agios Konstantinos.