Description of the attraction
Messaria is a small picturesque town in the central part of Santorini island, about 4-5 km southeast of Fira town. The first written mentions of Messaria date back to the 17th century, but when exactly the settlement was founded is not known for certain. In the 19th century, Messaria was the industrial center of Santorini and flourished, today it is one of the most colorful settlements on the island, as well as an important cultural center.
Of particular interest is the historic city center with its winding labyrinths of cobbled streets and cozy squares, pretty white houses with blue roofs and shutters built in traditional Cycladic architecture and elegant neoclassical mansions, and, of course, many traditional taverns and restaurants where you you will be able to fully enjoy the "taste of real Greece".
The main and, perhaps, the most interesting attraction of Messaria is the "house of Argyros". This magnificent mansion was built back in 1883 for the winemaker George Argyros and is considered one of the finest examples of neoclassical architecture in Santorini. In 1956, during a strong earthquake, the mansion was thoroughly damaged and was empty for a long time. In 1985, the building was recognized as an important architectural monument and restored. Today the “Argyros House” is a museum and is open to the public.
Of particular interest from the point of view of architecture in Messaria is the Saliveros mansion (1893), but today it is in a rather deplorable state. You can also visit the famous Messaria winery and the old knitting factory Markezinis. The most impressive temples of Messaria are Agios Dimitrios and Agios Irini.
