On the foot of the Profitis Ilias Mountain, just a brief 6 kilometres from the funding of Santorini Fira, exists a virtually deserted town referred to as the Old Village, Palió Chorió. Additionally known as Mésa Gonia or Episkopis Gonia, this village was a major negotiation of Santorini till the disastrous earthquake of 1956. Its inhabitants were forced to relocate to the neighbouring coastline of Kamari. You can book a Santorini private tour and visit the most known villages.
Book a Santorini day tour to visit Episkopi Gonia
Episkopi Gonia was known given that the 10th century A.D. for its a glass of wine manufacturing and it was also house to the excellent 6-domed canava of the catholic Monsignor of Santorini. A cave-like wine cellar sculpted in the rock of the hill. As the town was close to the winery of Santorini, several residences and estates included canavas. Nowadays, the few habitants that have actually returned have actually done so in order to restore the rich viniculture of the village.
The most popular of Episkopi Gonia’s sites is the church of Panagia Episkopi. It was built in the 11th century A.D. by the Oriental Emperor Alexios Komninos. The church showcases substantial sculptures and also icons, some dating as far back as the 11th or 12th century. It is the most essential Oriental antique of Santorini Island. The event or Panigiri of Episkopi church is held on August 15th and it is a grand feast with food, wine and typical online songs.
Episkopi Gonia has extremely few citizens, and a handful of enchanting tavernas that offer delicious, traditional food. 2 of the islands wineries, Ktima Argyrou and also Roussou Winery are both available to the general public. Taste a glass of wine samplings of their tasty red wines and also tours to their typical canavas. The distinct design of the whole village is a real trip into time, right into times of magnificence, of pirates’ stories, stories of knights and warriors. A walk in the Old Village of Santorini is a real experience right into the history of the island.
The Top 10 Churches of Santorini
The island of Santorini, just like the remainder of Greece, is abundant in attractive churches that praise the wondering design of the Cyclades. A huge portion of Santorini’s churches is cave-like, comparable to the one-of-a-kind homes sculpted in the rocks of the caldera. The remainder, immaculate white with the trademark blue domes are picture-perfect. A photo unmistakably associated to Santorini and also the Cycladic isles.
Famous Old Churches in Santorini
Although the churches of Santorini number more than 600, we have selected the 10 most fascinating churches. With Santorini private tours you can visit most monuments!
- Episcopi or Mesa Gonia is the most essential Byzantine monument of Santorini, positioned in the Old Village of Santorini, Episkopi Gonia.
- Panagia Sergena near Vothonas is a small temple carved in the volcanic rocks that was used as a refuge from pirate strikes.
- The church of Sotiras at Karterados has a Venetian design, with tower-like steeples.
- The enforcing Panagia ton Eisodion at Megalochori includes an impressive steeple, a wooden holy place of splendid artistry, numerous Russian icons as well as an unique, sophisticated calendar with complex paintings for each day of the year.
- Theotokaki, in the kasteli of Pyrgos is one of the earliest churches on the island dating back to the 9th century.
- Panagia Matrona in Finikia, one of one of the most lovely churches of Santorini and possibly the most favourite.
- The abbey of Profitis Ilias near the village of Pyrgos for its impressive design but also for the awe-inspiring panoramic sights of the island.
- The Catholic Cathedral of Fira, a baroque-style church with an excellent clock tower is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist in Fira.
- Panagia Malteza at Imerovigli took its name after the island of Malta where they found the symbol of Mother Mary. The red and also black bell-tower is genuinely splendid.
- The Mitropolis of Fira, including some beautiful murals and also a breathtaking sight of the caldera.
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