Churches
DISCOVER
There are more churches than houses, There are more donkeys than people, There is more wine than water.
It is estimated that there are over 1250 churches in Santorini! But why does this island have so many churches?
According to local stories, the residents had to accept co-living with the volcanic activities as well as with the earthquakes which often occur in the Aegean sea. Consequently, they felt the need to ask God for His protection against natural disasters. Besides, whoever owned property, holding a chapel during the Turkish occupation, would be free of taxes. For all these reasons, many chapels were built on the ground of volcanic ash.
Many churches are located in Emporio and it is definitely worth getting lost in the narrow streets and discovering them!
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.
