Pyrgos Kallistis description and photos - Greece: Santorini Island (Thira) (Topic)

Pyrgos Kallistis description and photos - Greece: Santorini Island (Thira). Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The name in English is Pyrgos Kallistis.

Photo and description

One of the most interesting places on the Greek island of Santorini, which is definitely worth a visit, is undoubtedly the small town of Pyrgos Callistis or simply Pyrgos. It is located about 8-9 km from the administrative center of the island of Fira, and is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful settlements in Santorini.

Pyrgos Callistis is located on the slopes of a picturesque hill, on top of which there are the ruins of an old Venetian fortress - one of five well-fortified medieval castles of Santorini, around which, in fact, a settlement was formed over time. For centuries, massive fortress walls reliably protected the inhabitants of Pyrgos - there was only one entrance to the castle, and a special structure with an opening was located above it (it has not survived to this day), through which, in case of attempts by the enemy to enter the territory of the castle, boiling oil was poured. There was also a system of underground passages under the fortress, where, if necessary, one could hide. At the end of the 18th century, after the castle of Skaros (near Imerovigli) was severely damaged by several devastating earthquakes, Pyrgos became the capital of the island.

Today, Pyrgos Kallistis is a charming village with a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets, traditional white houses, neoclassical mansions and many old temples, and its old fortress is the main local attraction, as well as an important historical and architectural monument. On the territory of the fortress you will find one of the oldest temples in Santorini - the Teotokaki Church or the Assumption of the Virgin (the original temple was built in the 10th century, but during its history has undergone a number of architectural changes), as well as the no less interesting Eisodion Teotoku Church, built in 1660-1661. Among the many temples of Pyrgos, the Church of St. Theodosius, the Church of St. Nicholas and, of course, the monastery of Agia Triada, within the walls of which the entertaining Museum of Church Relics is located today, also deserve special attention, and just 4 km from Pyrgos Callistis is one of the most important shrines of Santorini island - monastery of the Prophet Elijah.

We also recommend reading Cathedral of Ulm (Ulmer Muenster) description and photos - Germany: Ulm

Topic: Pyrgos Kallistis description and photos - Greece: Santorini Island (Thira).