WELCOME TO PYRGOS

The village of Pyrgos is one of the best preserved Medieval settlements on the island of Santorini. It was the capital of the island after the destruction of Skaros and up until the capital was moved to Fira in the early part of the 19th century.
Pyrgos, with its Venetian castle, is 7.5 km south of Fira and recently has become a significant attraction of the island. Built at the foot of Profitis Elias, it is visible from long distances due to its elevated and central location. In 1995, it was declared a “Preserved Monument” which has played a significant role in preserving the character of this living monument.

GEOLOGY
The Santorini archipelago islands are the remnants of an originally ring-shaped island. The region is characterised by its tectonic activity and is located in a geographically advantageous location as a crossroad in the Aegean Sea. The island is composed of a core of metamorphosed sediments and complex volcanic deposits. The village of Pyrgos is one of the few villages built on top of the limestone core of the island while more recent volcanic layers of volcanic ash have played a role in the architecture of the settlement.

THE CASTLE
The tower of Pyrgos (Kastelli) was one of the five castles built by the Venetians (the other ones were those of Akrotiri, Skaros, Aghios Nikolaos in Oia and Emporio). It followed the style of a settlement fortification with a subsequent yard: around the core, in the centre of which there was a tower initially and a church at a later stage, a fortification yard was later developed, consisting of the external walls of the houses.

THE SETTLEMENT
It is uncertain if the area was inhabited during the Bronze Age but small indications from nearby exposures show that small prehistoric structures existed in the area at the time when the Late Cycladic settlement of Akrotiri reached its prime and was subsequently buried by the volcanic ash at approximately 1615 B.C. There is more evidence but it remains to be examined more closely, of whether there was an Iron Age settlement here, which seems highly probable considering the close proximity to Ancient Thera.  
In its initial form, the settlement had a solid framework and a fortress-like structure. Quite possibly, it started as a monastery complex around the church of Panagia. When the danger of pirate raids was over, the settlement expanded outside the castle, thus the outer buildings that constituted the “enceinte” opened outwards, acquiring doors, windows and outbuildings, many of which took the form of roofed balconies – the so-called iliaka.
The densely populated district outside the castle was named Xeporto. The first School of Thera operated here from the early until the mid-19th century, in a big building known as Pera Scholio.

THE 1956 EARTHQUAKE
An important milestone in the history of the castle – as well as the rest of the island – was the earthquake of 1956. The buildings suffered severe damage and later on, its form was altered upon interventions by the state authorities. The most important change was the demolition of the upper floors. Demolition materials were used to fill up the ground floor of the houses and seal the top surface (in many cases, with concrete). Many ground floor buildings were also encased in reinforced concrete.

THE EPITAPH
A custom revived every year on Good Friday is another reason why Pyrgos never fades from the memory of visitors. The thousands of cans placed on all rooftops and courtyards are lit by the village’s teenagers a few minutes before the procession of the epitaph in the castle and around the alleys. The scene is truly spectacular and the ceremony is solemn: a rare experience worth living.

IN THE CASTLE
No matter which route you follow inside the village, you will end up at the gate of the castle. In front of it, there is a small flat space on two levels with a pebbled floor. Here is the church of Aghios Nikolaos. This small area was once the main square of Pyrgos and despite the passage of time it retains its character.
The gate will draw you to step inside the castle, but it is worth noticing that there is a perimeter road that essentially defines the castle’s complex. From the gate, you pass through to the inner “ring” of the settlement. Going uphill to the right, you will soon reach an opening where a broad staircase leads to the main church of the Virgin Mary.
If you continue your route, you will come upon the inner ring, the southeastern part of which partially gives the sense of an enclosed narrow public space. From the passages (“diavatika”) that cover this route, only one still stands today.
At the centre of the castle stands the church of Eisodia tis Theotokou and a square offering panoramic views. Opposite Panagia, there is the church of AghiaTriada, which houses the Collection of Icons and Relics.
Your route continues between the two churches. There is a small triangular open space that has some incredible architectural characteristics, despite the fact that the houses to the north are in ruins.
Further down along your route, you will come upon a passage, at the beginning of which there is a staircase. That staircase leads to the big open space which defines the northern tip of the castle.
From there, you will enjoy spectacular views over the island. This is a cluster of houses which were turned into a flat after the earthquake of 1956. This flat is divided into two parts of a minor altitude difference.
An alternative return route passes through the northwestern part of the inner ring. The houses located at the outer part are buried and their terraces create gradational levels interconnected with a few makeshift steps.

PROPHET ELIAS MONASTERY
Continuing past the village of Pyrgos, you will find the Monaster of Prophet Elias. In the years between 1711 and 1724, at an altitude of 567 m above Pyrgos, the male monastery of Profitis (Prophet) Elias was built. The view from this point is fantastic. A few monks live here, and access to females has been allowed since 1853. You can reach this location by following the old path or drive all the way to the top of the large hill. You can also take the path towards Ancient Thera from there which is a unique experience.
GASTRONOMY
In recent years competition within the islands has pushed the standards of gastronomy in Santorini ever higher, so that today it is a fine dining hub as well as an exemplar for the use of local produce. But the roots for this culinary excellence have come from its microclimate and the unusual nature of the soil. Santorini has become a gastronomic destination due to the unique agricultural products, the exceptional wines, innovative fine dining restaurants, cozy tavernas with traditional cuisine; wineries open to the public and hotels serving Greek breakfast, combining together.

PYRGOS VINEYARDS
The experience of discovering the real Santorini ends by exploring the hidden beauty of the island, the wine. For centuries now, the roots of native varieties have grown directly into the volcanic soil. In order to protect plants from strong winds and limit their need for water, the vine-growers of Santorini adopted and perfected a primitive pruning technique, the ‘kouloura’. The plants are pruned to take the shape of a low vegetable basket in which the grapes are protected and mature without their production being in danger from the elements.
You can see the vines surrounding the entire settlement while you can also get a closer look at the wine making process and taste the wines by visiting the wineries of Santo Wines and Hatzidakis.

CHURCHES

INSIDE THE CASTLE

EISODIA TIS THEOTOKOU
It is the largest and one of the most important churches of the island. It dates back to the 17th century. It has a remarkable chancel screen with sculpted figures of saints, which intertwine with floral decorations.  

AGHIA TRIADA
It rises at the centre of the castle and was built as a basilica with a dome. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 1956 and rebuilt thanks to the efforts of the late Liza Marinou – President of the Association of Pyrgos Residents in Thera – and the parishioners. The church remained closed until 1997. Then, thanks to the joint efforts by the Community of Pyrgos Kallistis, the Community Council, the Second Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities and the Holy Metropolis of Thera, it was inaugurated as an ecclesiastical museum. Since then, it is open as a permanent exhibition of icons and ecclesiastical relics.

THEOTOKAKI
It is located at the northern part of the castle and is considered to be one of the oldest churches on the island (14th century). It was renovated in 1663 and its chancel screen is of remarkable art. According to custom, under the icon of the Virgin Mary to the right of the sanctum, in a locked glove compartment, the icon of the Virgin Mary used at the Epitaph is left to rest after the Assumption on August 15.

AGHIOS IAKOVOS
A pointed, vaulted basilica, to the east of the castle, built in 1805. It was originally a  Catholic church and this is evident by its characteristic architecture.

AGHIOS IOANNIS THEOLOGOS
You will see this church to the left, after the castle’s gate. It dates back to circa 1600. It was renovated in 1790 and is a glebe of Patmou monastery.

OUTSIDE THE CASTLE

CHRISTOS (METAMORFOSI TOU SOTIROS)
Its bell tower stands out from a distance and the church rises imposingly at the centre of the village. It is a three-ailed basilica, with an octagonal cupola internally and externally, the only one on the island, which is why it presents a considerable architectural interest.

AGHIA THEODOSIA
It is located outside the entrance of the castle and it was built in 1639, renovated in 1857 and devastated by the earthquake in 1956. The contemporary church was built at its place in 1965.

AGHIOS SRYRIDONAS
A single-aisled, vaulted basilica, with an exquisite chancel screen that was repaired in 1992, located at the small square of Estia Cultural Center.

AGHIOS SAMPSON
The church is located close to the elementary school, to the east of the settlement. It has a cupola, vaults and remarkable icons.

AGHIOS CHRISTOFOROS
Located on the northeast side of Pyrgos, it was built at a point where there was a shrine dedicated to Aghios Charalambos. Its excellent location provides panoramic views of the courtyard, where there is a reservoir for rainwater. It is a single-aisled, vaulted basilica, with two aisled that were added later.

AGHIOS GEORGIOS (Katefyo)
Built in 1754, this chapel is located on the rocks of Prophitis Ilias, west of Pyrgos. It was originally a single-aisled, vaulted basilica, but extensions and additions took place later. Above the church, there are ruins of many vaulted constructions which are believed to have been monk residences. According to tradition, a princess found shelter once in the chapel, trying to escape from the pirates who were chasing her.

AGHIOS NIKOLAOS
It is a basilica with a dome and one of the five parishes of Pyrgos. It is located outside the entrance of the castle. It was founded in 1660 by Bishop Parthenios Gavalas of Thera and repaired in 1980. Aghios Nikolaos remains open and is accessible for visitors on a daily basis.

AGHIOS NIKOLAOS O KISSIRAS (Konaki)
Located to the east of Pyrgos, it is a glebe to Prophitis Ilias monastery. It is a three-aisled basilica with a cupola and a narthex, and it was built in 1764. The sanctum with the marble episcopal throne, which is an excellent piece of popular art, stands out on the inside. The name of ‘Kissiras’ is due to the fact that the whole surrounding area consists of kissiri (pumice).

AGHII APOSTOLI (Martinous)
It is located inside the courtyard of the old School of Pyrgos, at a location called Martinou, which was founded in 1803. The original chapel was located within the pumice. The structure that houses the church today was originally used as the class room and the ruins located around the courtyard housed the teachers.