SANTORINI TRAVEL GUIDE

SANTORINI > CHURCHES & MONASTERIES

CHURCHES & MONASTERIES

Santorini, as with other Cycladic islands, is characterized by its many churches. There are about 250 churches on the island and a selection of them is presented below.

The Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Virgin Mary Cathedral is located in Mesa Gounia and was built by the Byzantium Emperor Alexio A Komninos. The wall paintings inside the church date from 1100 and the temple has rare marbles with wax decoration.

Orthodox Cathedral

The Orthodox Cathedral is located in Fyra and was built in 1827. The church was damaged in the 1956 earthquake, but was immediately restored. The Santorini artist, Christoforos Asimis, painted the murals inside the church.

Prophet Elias Monastery

The Prophet Elia Monastery is located above the village of Pyrgos and dates back to the beginning of the 18th century. Notable treasures are the carved wooden temple, old books and manuscripts.

Catholic Cathedral

The church is dedicated to St John the Baptist, built in Baroque style with a belfry. The church sustained damage from the 1956 earthquake, but was immediately restored.

Catholic Nunnery

The Catholic Nunnery is located in the centre of Fyra and has twelve nuns of different nationalities. The nunnery is a fine example of island architecture and is also known as Rosaria.

Agios Nikolaos Monastery

The Agios Nikolaos Monastery is located by the life-giving spring of Agios Nikolaos between Firostefani and Imerovigli and dedicated to Agios Panteleimonas. The monastery was discovered in 1651 and houses a fine Byzantium icon of Agios Nikolaos.