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

Messaria 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 Messaria.

Photo and description

Messaria is a small picturesque town in the central part of Santorini island, about 4-5 km southeast of Fira. The first written mentions of Messaria date back to the 17th century, but when exactly the settlement was founded is not known for certain. In the 19th century, Messaria was the industrial center of Santorini and flourished, today it is one of the most picturesque settlements on the island, as well as an important cultural center.

Of particular interest is the historic city center with its winding labyrinths of cobbled streets and cozy squares, pretty white houses with blue roofs and shutters, erected in traditional Cycladic architecture and elegant neoclassical mansions, and of course many traditional taverns and restaurants, where you can fully enjoy the "taste of real Greece".

The main, and perhaps the most interesting attraction of Messaria is the "house of Argyros". This magnificent mansion was built in 1883 for the winemaker George Argyros and is considered one of the finest examples of neoclassical architecture in Santorini. In 1956, during a strong earthquake, the mansion was thoroughly damaged and was empty for a long time. In 1985 the building was recognized as an important architectural monument and restored. Today, the "house of Argyros" is a museum and is open to the public.

The Saliveros mansion (1893) is of particular interest in terms of architecture in Messaria, but today it is in a rather poor condition. You can also visit the famous Messaria winery and the old knitting factory Markezinis.

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