The name “Emporio” derives from the Greek word Εμπόριο which means trade as. In the past, this village was the trade center of the island. Nowadays, the maze of small streets, the well-maintained houses with their charming doors and courtyards, and the medieval atmosphere of the village make Emporio the perfect photo spot for amateurs and professionals.
During the Fourth Crusade to the Holy Land, the Francs conquered and sacked Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, in 1204. In the following years, they conquered the Greek islands and certain ports of strategic importance, and at the highest point of the areas, they built fortresses to preserve their territories from pirate raids.
In Santorini, there are five castles dating from the Middle Ages: on the rock of Skaros, in Emporio, Akrotiri, Pyrgos, and Oia.
The history of the village of Emporio begins with the building of the Castelli (castle) at the beginning of the 15th century to protect the residents from pirate raids. It was located at a strategic point and could not be easily accessed from the sea.
During the same period, another characteristic building of the village was built, the Tower of Goulas, near the castle. There was even an underground tunnel that connected the tower with the fortress. In August 1537, Santorini was conquered by the famous Ottoman admiral Hayreddin Barbarossa, whose huge naval forces captured the islands of the Aegean and the Ionian, belonging then to Venice.
After the Ottoman Occupation, when the pirate raids were fewer, the buildings spread out of the defensive wall of the Castelli of Emporio. No special planning was taken into consideration, only the geomorphology. During the last 20 years, rapid financial growth has changed and altered the surrounding area.
Many churches can be distinguished in the village: Old Virgin Mary or Panagia Mesani with, as it is believed, the most beautiful bell tower on the island, is located in the Castle. It was built in the 16th century, and its wood-carved temple, made in 1883, is also exquisite. Another church you should not miss is the Metamorfosi of Sotiros, with the impressive courtyard made with pebbles from the beach. The church of Evangelismos, at the central square of the village, is the meeting point for locals.
What to see in Emporio?
Emporio has a lot to offer to the visitors. It hosts the best-kept and largest medieval castle on the island. Located at the hilltop of the village, the castle was built as the residents wanted to protect themselves from pirate raids. In a short distance, you can find the tower of Goulas, a multi-storey, rectangular defensive tower with thick walls. Visitors also love the numerous churches scattered in the beautiful village.
The local life of Emporio village
Life in Emporio still maintains its charm and tradition, despite the tourist pressure that Santorini gets the last years. Traditions are widely kept, mingling with the locals is easy, and religion still plays a key role in the residents’ life. The peace and quiet of the traditional settlement are easily envied in other popular parts of Santorini, and lucky visitors sure take advantage of it.