The village of Pyrgos is one of those places on the island of Santorini from which you can admire a splendid panoramic view of the island, from the Caldera, to Oia and to the island of Thirasia, which certainly deserves a separate visit.
The village of Pyrgos is built on top of a hill in the center of the island of Santorini and is only 8 kilometers south east of Fira (the capital). You can decide to get there by car or by public bus through the Fira-Perissa line and get off at Pyrgos.
You should know that in 1800 this captivating village was the capital of the island of Santorini. Pyrgos still retains the characteristics of the typical Venetian fortifications and is one of the 5 fortified towns built in Santorini in the 1400s by the Venetians and its castle can still be admired from above overlooking the town. The other 4 villages that present the Venetian fortress are Akrotiri, Imerovigli, Oia and Emporio.
Everything revolves around the castle of Pyrgos and starting from its square you will notice that the many small and traditional stone houses are beginning to increase more and more and the streets that follow the shape of the hill, turn into narrow alleys, until you lose the orientation, like a real maze! This structure was intended to make this place safer and more secure and to confuse the enemies who ventured into it, getting lost regularly (as you will have the pleasure of trying it too).
The entrance of the castle is only one and is called "The Door", at its side stands a plaque in memory of the heroes who fell in the war. The plaque is divided into two separate sections based on dates: from 1912 (beginning of the Balkan wars) to 1922 (destruction of Ionia) and from 1941 (beginning of German occupation) to 1949 (end of the civil war).
The picturesque and picturesque village of Pyrgos has very fascinating features: colorful winding paths, lots of stairs to go up and down, narrow alleys to get lost in, small traditional white houses built around the castle, art galleries to admire located in hidden corners and little churches typical with the classic blue domes (which if you didn't have them you wouldn't be in Santorini); together they create an intriguing village to be discovered!
Regarding the churches, there are 48 in Pyrgos to be exact: certainly an important number if we calculate that here in Pyrgos less than 600 people live. It is important to know that most of them cannot be visited because they are private. Among the public ones we invite you to visit Theotokaki, the church dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary and is located in the northern part of the castle of Pyrgos. It dates back to the 10th century and is known for the beauty of its frescoes and icons that have been preserved over time.
The other religious work of great importance is the Monastery of the Prophet Elias, which stands on the summit of the mountain of the same name 4 kilometers from the town. It is located on the highest point of the island of Santorini, at 567 meters. This Monastery was initially a monastery not open to women (it was until 1853) and was founded in 1711 by the monks Joachim and Gabriel. The monastery over the years has contributed greatly to the economic and cultural growth of the island of Santorini. Unfortunately the arrival of the earthquake in 1956 caused him much structural damage and after an important restructuring, it has returned to accommodate today only a dozen monks. But the Monastery of the Prophet Elias continues its charitable work for the local community and the production of local products. Inside there is also a museum which houses an inestimable collection of ecclesiastical documents, ethnographic material and icons dating back to the period from the 15th to the 18th century, as well as an iron cross of the 20th century and a miter set with diamonds of the patriarch Gregory V. There are also sections dedicated to the creation of candles, the press and the production of wine; the surrounding area is, in fact, rich in vineyards. Here July 20 marks the feast of the prophet Elias and a much awaited celebration is held by the islanders, during which visitors are offered bread, cheese, tomatoes and wine (products of very high quality and exported every day to all the other islands of Greece)
Outside there is a small shop where you can buy and taste the foods and wines produced in the Monastery. At the top, before or after visiting the abbey, you can visit the old church and then admire the marvelous panorama that stands before you.
Although Pyrgos is a very interesting place as well as one of the most beautiful places on the island of Santorini, only in recent years has it begun to make itself known to the general public and to appear on tourist maps, as a place not to be missed. If, therefore, until a few years ago you have walked in the alleys immersed in the quiet daily life of its inhabitants, today some more tourists find it, but certainly many much less than the best known: Fira, Oia and Imerovigli.
Therefore, Pyrgos also offers a good selection of hotels and apartments for rent, all of which have a wonderful view of the island and the Aegean Sea. The sunsets here are an evergreen of Santorini, a real trademark!
If you come to Santorini during the Easter period, go to the village of Pyrgos and don't miss: on Good Friday, Megali Paraskevi, where the whole country lights up with torches, which give life to a very very suggestive scenario. During Good Friday the scent of rosemary spreads everywhere because it is used to adorn the 17 meter high cross. Instead on Easter Sunday, Kyriaki tou Pascha, the magic takes place in the main square of the village: an effigy is burned first, then beautiful fireworks are launched and finally a feast of lamb cooked on a spit and wine is consumed .
Whether you come for Easter or summer, the village of Pyrgos remains one of those places you can't miss! Visit it, walk around it and discover it in every single alley, it will give you that little bit extra, because Santorini is not only fabulous sunsets, but much much more!