Santorini: A Mecca for History Adventurers
Santorini is an island deeply rich in history, showcasing a fascinating timeline of fateful events that led to Santorini that we know today. Explore the chronicles of an island with an ever-evolving geological contour, and the marks of different civilizations that tried to adjust to it, or prevail upon it, charting new pathways in the course of events that shaped Santorini’s heritage. Get ready to embark on an illuminating voyage through history, with an LTS tour to important sights that are dotted all over the island. If you seek for a personalized tour, all you have to do is consult with on the places you wish to explore, and we will arrange everything! Let’s have a look at some highlight sights that adduce the island’s annals to history wayfarers!
The Prehistoric Santorini: The Museum of Prehistoric Thera, located in Fira, houses impressive finds from the excavations that were conducted at the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri, and you will have the chance to explore an exhibition of stunning frescoes, fine pottery, elaborate marble figurines, and intricate metal artifacts, among others. You can combine it with a visit to the archaeological site at Akrotiri, to meander the ancient city and take in the vibes of this magnificent Bronze-Age civilization.
The Ancient and Roman Period: The Historical and Cultural Archaeological Museum of Santorini in Fira, showcases discoveries from excavations that took place all over the island. Some of them include a collection of geometric red and black vases from the 5th century BC, inscriptions dating from the Archaic to the Roman periods, and some Minoan ware. You can also observe impressive frescoes, as well as sculptures of the Hellenistic period, Byzantine artwork, and a few prehistoric remains.
The Byzantine Period/ Historical Churches: Santorini is endowed with some of the most stunning churches in Greece, and with significant historical value. If you are interested in religious history, you will find yourself roaming around the quaint villages of Santorini to explore the architecture, the murals, the icons, and the iconostases of the churches and monasteries. Some notable churches you would want to include on your itinerary are: Panagia Episkopi in Mesa Gonia, Panagia Mesani in Emporio, the monastery of Prophet Elias in Pyrgos, Timios Stauros on the edge of Perissa, Agia Irene on the slopes of Mesa Vouno, Agia Matrona in Finikia, the Cathedral of Fira, the monastery of Agios Nikolaos in Imerovigli, and Panagia Trypa in Vothonas.
The Folkloric Santorini: The Folklore Museum of Kontochori, near Fira, is a cave house that was once a winery, built in 1861. The museum displays a collection of housewares, ornaments, photographs, rare books, and traditional costumes. Many workshops on traditional arts and crafts also take place there. Within the premises, you can also find a library, an art gallery, and the chapel of Agios Konstantinos with its belfry. You can combine this exploration of the Santorinian tradition, with a visit to the tomato factory at Vlychada, and the windmills at Emporio.
The History of Theran Wine: The Wine Museum of Santorini is an extraordinary, 300 meters long cave, embedded 6 meters below ground. It presents the history and viticulture of Santorini from 1660 to 1970. The Museum offers a personal tour, with the option to join in a ritual of volcanic wine tasting at the end of the visit.
The History of Minerals & Fossils: The Museum of Minerals & Fossils of the Cultural Society of Thera, was founded in 2006 in the village of Perissa. It showcases an extensive collection of rare minerals and fossils from Thera, Greece, and abroad. The museum's oldest exhibit is 1.5 billion years old, and the most recent one dates back to 50,000 years ago. You will have the chance to gaze at all kinds of fossils, including plant fossils of olive, gorse, and palm trees that were found in the caldera.
