Fira, the charming capital
of Santorini Island, is
located on its western
coast, high above the
mysterious Caldera and
opposite the volcano,
providing the most beautiful
sunset view in the Greek
Islands. Fira has a constant
1,600 inhabitants. It is
perched on the edge of an
impressive cliff, at a
height of 260 meters and
offers a great panoramic
view of the submerged
volcano. Early in the 19th
century the capital of the
island was moved from Pyrgos
to Fira. After the
earthquake of 1956 a part of
the town was destroyed (only
a small part of the 18th
century buildings were
saved).
The small streets during
peak season period are
crowed and filled with all
kind of shops, jewelleries,
cafe, restaurants, bars and
night clubs. The visit to
the picturesque market of
Fira is a pleasant walk,
small houses dug in the
land.
What to see in Fira:
Archaeological Museum,
churches and monasteries,
such as Agios Minas, the
cathedral of Hypapandi, the
cathedral of Christ, the
monastery of Panagia ton
Dominikanidon, Panagia tou
Rodariou and the Catholic
Cathedral.
There is also the Megaron
Gyzi Museum which has a
fascinating collection of
photos of Fira before and
after the earthquake of
1956.
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