Fira
Fira is the capital of Santorini. Its location, built along the edge of the caldera at an altitude of about 250 meters, just opposite the volcano has made it an attractive tourist destination. The city of Fira was founded at the end of the 18th century, when the inhabitants of the old capital, the castle of Skaros located in the area of today's Imerovigli, were forced to flee due to an earthquake. It is interesting to note that all authorities of the island had come to an agreement about the location of this new capital.
Fira is the commercial center of the island,whereyou can find not only museums, galleries and cultural events but alsoan endless variety of restaurants, nightlife and entertainment options. The picturesque labyrinthine streets are flooded with visitors during the summer season and Theotokopoulos Square is bustling with life 24/7. You can shop in the many art galleries, as well as at souvenir shops and jewelry stores and enjoy the versatile nightlifein bars and clubs that seem to be hanging off the caldera. There is also a wide variety of restaurants and taverns where you can enjoy your mealwith a glass of wonderful local wine.
You can reach the old port (Gialos), which currently serves passengers of cruise ships, following the trail from Fira (600 steps) or use the cable car instead.
Churches in Fira
Both the Orthodox and the Catholic Cathedral of the island are located in Fira, as across the Cyclades the catholic element is strong. The Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral, also known as the Church of Ypapantis, is located on the caldera and was rebuilt after the original church was destroyed in the earthquake of 1956. The Catholic Cathedral is dedicated to St. John the Baptist.
Museums in Fira
There are two museums in Fira, the Archaeological Museum of Santorini, which houses exhibits from the Archaic to the Roman period and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, where you can see the excavation findings from the archeological site of Akrotiri.