Description of the attraction
One of the most interesting places on the Greek island of Santorini, which is definitely worth a visit, is undoubtedly the small town of Pyrgos Callistis or simply Pyrgos. It is located about 8-9 km from the administrative center of the island of Fira and is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful settlements in Santorini.
Pyrgos Callistis is located on the slopes of a picturesque hill, on top of which there are the ruins of an old Venetian fortress - one of the five well-fortified medieval castles of Santorini, around which, in fact, a settlement was formed over time. For centuries, massive fortress walls reliably protected the inhabitants of Pyrgos - there was only one entrance to the castle, and above it there was a special structure with a hole (not preserved to this day), through which boiling oil was poured in if the enemy tried to enter the castle territory. There was also a system of underground passages under the fortress, where, if necessary, one could hide. At the end of the 18th century, after the castle of Skaros (near Imerovigli) was severely damaged by several devastating earthquakes, Pyrgos became the capital of the island.
Today Pyrgos Kallistis is a charming village with labyrinths of narrow cobbled streets, traditional white houses, neoclassical mansions and many ancient temples, and its old fortress is the main local attraction, as well as an important historical and architectural monument. On the territory of the fortress you will find one of the oldest temples of Santorini - the Church of Teotokaki or the Assumption of the Virgin (the original temple was built in the 10th century, but during its history it has undergone a number of architectural changes), as well as the no less interesting Church of Eisodion Teotoku, built in 1660-1661 years. Among the many temples of Pyrgos, the Church of St. Theodosius, the Church of St. Nicholas and, of course, the monastery of Agia Triada, within the walls of which the entertaining Museum of Church Relics is located today, also deserve special attention, and only 4 km from Pyrgos Callistis is one of the most important shrines of the island of Santorini - monastery of the Prophet Elijah.
