General information

Pyrgos is 7.5 km east of Fira. Built at the foot of Profitis Elias stands out from a distance along many of the routes that visitors follow around the island.

In 1995 Pyrgos was declared a “preserved monument”

Thanks to its 600 residents it remains vibrant and full of life throughout the year.
The main attraction is the Kasteli (castle). Visitors also explore the cobbled streets with the Cycladic and the neoclassical buildings, enjoy the sunset over the Caldera from the top of the castle, visit the Ecclesiastical Collection in Aghia Triada and the Cultural Village “Santorini of the past”. There are hotels, restaurants, taverns, cafes and traditional “kafeneia”, mini markets, shops.
The village is surrounded by whitewashed churches and vineyards full of the characteristic basket shaped Santorinian vines. High up, on the top of the mountain, there is Prophet Elias monastery.
Trekkers will find amazing natural beauty around Pyrgos. Among others there is the old Medieval path that leads from Pyrgos to Emporeio village (1 hour and 30 minutes).

Pyrgos’ castle

It was one of the five castles built by the Venetians in the 15th century. The other ones were those of Akrotiri, Skaros, Aghios Nikolaos in Oia and Emporio.

The Kasteli followed the style of a settlement fortification with a subsequent yard: around the core, in the centre of which there was a tower initially and a church at a later stage, a fortification yard was later developed, consisting of the external walls of houses which were almost contiguous, very thick and high, and had a few air openings –a practice followed since antiquity. According to D. Denaxas, there was a tower in the castle, which was completely demolished in 1735 to give its place to the church of Aghios Georgios.

The outer contour of the castle was irregular and polygonal. In its centre, stood the small square with the churches of Panagia and Aghios (Saint) Georgios. A cobbled road separates the castle from the buildings of the contemporary part of the settlement. The oldest historical evidence about the castle is found in a work by M. Crucius entitled “Turcograecia”. There, it is referred to as Pyrgos, “Kainourgios Pyrgos”, “Kasteli Kainourgiou Pyrgou”, or “Kainourgiompourgo” (meaning new castle). This indicates that it was built after at least one of the four other castles. The castles of Skaros and Akrotiri were most likely built before it.

If one looks closely at the way the houses in the castle of Pyrgos are arranged, one can understand that it was very similar to the one of the castle of Skaros, in Imerovigli, during the last decades of the 18th century. The houses were narrow and elongated, with a common dividing wall on which a cylindrical vault was based. They had two or three stories, with the bottom ones being partly built and partly caved. The only entrance of the castle to the western part of the perimeter remained closed at night if there was danger. Above the entrance, there was a murder-hole called “loophole” or “murderess”.

An important milestone in the history of the castle –as well as the rest of the island- was the earthquake of 1956. The buildings suffered severe damage and later on, its form was defaced by interventions conducted by state authorities.

In the castle

No matter which route you follow inside the village, you will end up at the gate of the castle. In front of it, there is a small flat space on two levels with a pebbled floor and an incredible view. Here is the church of Aghios Georgios. This small area was once the main square of Pyrgos and has retained its character up to a certain extent. The gate attracts your attention and invites you to step inside the castle, but it is worth noticing that there is a perimeter road that essentially defines the castle’s complex. The houses next to the gate do not bring in mind the fortress image they once conveyed being the outer limit of the castle: they have many openings, solar panels, balconies and have been recently refurbished.
From the gate, you pass through to the inner “ring” of the settlement. Going uphill to the right, you will soon reach an opening where a broad staircase leads to the main church of the Virgin Mary. If you continue walking you will come upon the inner ring, the southeastern part of which partially gives the sense of an enclosed narrow public space. From the passages (“diavatika”) that cover this route, only one still stands today.
At the centre of the castle you will find the church of Eisodia tis Theotokou and a square offering panoramic views. Opposite Panagia, there is the church of Aghia Triada, which houses the Ecclesiastical Collection. Your route continues between the two churches. There is a small triangular flat area that retains its authenticity to a certain extent, despite the fact that the houses to the north are in ruins. Further down along your route, you will come upon a passage, at the beginning of which there is a staircase. That staircase leads to the large flat area which defines the northern tip of the castle. From there, you will enjoy spectacular views over the island.
* Source: Study on the castle of Pyrgos, by architect Clairi Palyvou.

In the village

1st PATH. Set off for this lovely walk left of the entrance of Pyrgos, across the pharmacy (this is where the village square used to be). Walk by the old mill, where you will see several neoclassical houses: to the right, the Charitopoulos residence, before the church of Aghios Spyridonas (St Spyridon); you will also come across the emblematic building of Pyrgos Estia. After Aghios Spyridonas, to the right, you will see the neoclassical house of the Laggadas family (a twin building with the Zannos Melathron) as well as Donna’s House hotel. Following the signs to the main square, you will pass by the old grocer’s and the old barber shop to reach the church of Christ with the imposing belfry. Crossing the atmospheric covered walkway, you will find yourselves outside the church of Metamorphosi Sotiros (Transformation of the Saviour). You can then go up to the castle entrance, or down to the primary school and the main square.

2nd PATH. Start at the primary school and walk by the little church of Aghios Samson and the church of Metamorphosi Sotiros to arrive at the castle entrance. You will come across several impressive arched neoclassical buildings (one of them was built in 1887). Follow the signs to the castle.

3rd PATH. Start next to the Kantouni coffee house, on the main square of Pyrgos, and go up the paved road that used to be called Potamos (i.e. Greek for river). Turning left, you will pass in front of the old grocer’s (the one with the characteristic green door) and follow the signs towards the kasteli, crossing the old part of the village. You will come across the traditional old wineries called kanaves and enjoy the amazing view over the island, especially at sunset. Passing by the Zannos mansion and the church which is dedicated to Aghios Grigorios and Aghia Theodosia (Saints Gregory and Theodosia), you will reach the castle entrance. Notice the pebbled pavement dating from 1802 at the square, and the church of Aghios Nikolaos (St Nicholas). The path to the right of the castle entrance leads to the kasteli peripheral road and the church of Aghios Christophoros (St Christopher) –a truly lovely route as well.

In the casle

EISODIA TIS THEOTOKOU
It is the largest and one of the most important churches on the island. It dates back to the 17th century. It has a remarkable chancel screen with sculpted figures of saints, which intertwine with floral decorations. On Assumption eve, according to custom, an Epitaphios is being adorned, there is a procession and then people sing the praises of the Virgin Mary on their way to Theotokaki.
AGHIA TRIADA
It rises at the centre of the castle and was built as a basilica with a dome. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 1956 and rebuilt thanks to the efforts of the late Liza Patinioti-Marinou, President of the Association of Pyrgos Residents in Thera, and the parishioners. The church remained closed until 1997. Then, thanks to the joint efforts by the Community of Pyrgos Kallistis, the Community Council, the Second Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities and the Holy Metropolis of Thera, it was inaugurated as an Ecclesiastical collection.
THEOTOKAKI
It is located at the northern part of the castle and is considered to be one of the oldest churches on the island (14th century). I was renovated in 1663 and its chancel screen is of remarkable art. According to custom, under the icon of the Virgin Mary to the right of the sanctum, in a locked glove compartment, the icon of the Virgin Mary used at the Epitaph is left to rest after the Assumption on August 15. The original icon was stolen in 1983. It is celebrated on the 15th of August, while there is a feast during the Novena of the Virgin Mary.
AGHIOS IAKOVOS
A pointed, vaulted basilica, to the east of the castle, built in 1805. It was used by the Catholics during the Turkish occupation, as they were not allowed to build their own churches. It is celebrated on October 23st.
AGHIOS IOANNIS THEOLOGOS
You will see this church to the left, after the castle’s gate. It dates back to 1600. It was renovated in 1790 and is a glebe of the Patmos monastery. It is celebrated on September 26th.
AGHIOS GEORGIOS
Built in 1680, this vaulted basilica had many processed marbles which were probably used later to decorate the roofs of the castle. It was repaired in 2002.

Outside the castle

CHRISTOS (METAMORFOSI TOU SOTIROS)
Its bell tower stands out from a distance and the church rises imposingly at the centre of the village. It is a three-ailed basilica, with an octagonal cupola internally and externally, the only one on the island, which is why it presents a considerable architectural interest. Renovated in 1953, it is celebrated on August 6.
AGHIOS NIKOLAOS
It is a basilica with a dome and one of the five parishes of Pyrgos. It is located outside the entrance of the castle. It was founded in 1660 by Bishop Parthenios Gavalas of Thera and repaired in 1980. It is celebrated on December 6.
AGHIA THEODOSIA
It is located outside the entrance of the castle, to the west of the Tsividis family neoclassical mansion, and is the patron of the walls. It was built in 1639, renovated in 1857 and devastated by an earthquake in 1956. The contemporary church was built at its place in 1965. It is celebrated on May 29. The memory of Aghios Philippos, Aghii Gerasimos and Artemios and Aghios Efstathios is also celebrated here on November 14, October 20 and September 20, respectively.
AGHIOS ANTONIOS
A vaulted, single-aisled basilica with an episcopal throne of a simple form, located at the small square of Estia. Its chancel screen is exquisite and was repaired in 1992. It is celebrated on December 12 with a procession of the icon around the village and a feast.
AGHIOS SRYRIDONAS
A single-aisled, vaulted basilica, with an exquisite chancel screen that was repaired in 1992, located at the small square of Estia. It is celebrated on December 12.
AGHIOS DIMITRIOS
A vaulted basilica with icons dating from the 17th century, situated to the southwest of the village. It is celebrated on November 1.
AGHIOS AVERKIOS
This vaulted basilica is located near the central square and is celebrated with a feast on October 22. This saint is associated with vine dressers and the opening of new wine barrels in celebrated on that day. Aghia Paraskevi is also celebrated at this church on July 26.
AGHIOS SAMPSON
Located close to the elementary school, to the east of the settlement. It has a cupola, vaults and remarkable icons. It is celebrated on June 27 and August 27, the day of Aghios Fanourios.
AGHIOS IEROTHEOS
It is situated near Estia of Pyrgos, opposite Donna’s House, and was built in 1957. It is celebrated on October 4.
AGHIOS SAVVAS
A single-aisled, vaulted basilica to the north of the village, on the door of which one can see marbles from the chancel screens of Byzantine churches of Mesa Vouno. Celebrated on December 5.
AGHIOS CHRISTOFOROS
Located to the north of Pyrgos, it was built at a point where there was a shrine dedicated to Aghios Charalambos. Its excellent location provides panoramic views of the courtyard, where there is a reservoir for rainwater. It is a single-aisled, vaulted basilica, with two aisled that were added later. It is celebrated on May 9.
TAXIARCHIS
A single-aisled, vaulted basilica on the southwest side of the village, in the courtyard of which there is a trough. The village’s women used to wash their clothes here during times of drought. It is celebrated on November 8.
EVANGELISMOS
It is located to the west of Pyrgos, along the main road. It is a simple, vaulted basilica with an aisle for a loft and an icon of the Virgin Mary that is considered to be exquisite. It is celebrated on March 25.
AGHIOS ANTONIOS
Located to the northwest, opposite Evangelismos, inside an estate that belongs to Patmou monastery. It is celebrated on January 17 and is a vaulted basilica with a loft which was added later.
AGHIOS ANDREAS
Located to the west of Pyrgos, it is an elegant church following the vaulted, cross-in-square basilica style It is celebrated on November 30.
AGHII THEODORI
It is situated inside an estate that belongs to Zorzos family, and it was rebuilt thanks to their continuous efforts. The chancel table and parts of old marbles and tufas, which decorated a small older church, were revealed. It is celebrated on February 8.
AGHII APOSTOLI (Livades)
A single-aisled, vaulted basilica in the area of Livades, south of the village. It was built in 1872, with a cave edifice for feasts and a basin in its courtyard. You should definitely visit it and enjoy the serene landscape. It is celebrated on June 30.
AGHIOS IOANNIS (“ftochos”, meaning poor)
It is located south of Pyrgos, beneath the road of Aghia Faneromeni. It is a cave chapel, celebrated on September 23.
ΑGHIA FANEROMENI
South, along the new Pyrgos-Emporeio road, you will come upon this chapel dating from 1872, which follows the single-aisled, vaulted basilica style. It is celebrated on August 16.
AGHIOS GEORGIOS (Katefyo)
Built since 1754, this chapel is located on the rocks of Prophitis Ilias, west of Pyrgos. It was originally a single-aisled, vaulted basilica, but extensions and additions took place later. Above the church, there are ruins of many vaulted constructions which are believed to have been monk residences. According to tradition, a princess found shelter once in the chapel, trying to escape from the pirates who were chasing her. It is celebrated on April 23.
AGHIOS NIKOLAOS O KISSIRAS (Konaki)
Located to the east of Pyrgos, it is a glebe to Prophitis Ilias monastery. It is a three-aisled basilica with a cupola and a narthex, and it was built in 1764. The sanctum with the marble episcopal throne, which is an excellent piece of popular art, stands out on the inside. It housed the tomb of Dionysios, Episcope of Thera. It was the seat of the island’s Holy Metropolis (Konaki means “the residence of the Metropolite”). The annomination of Kissiras is due to the fact that the whole surrounding area consists of kissiri (ponce). It is celebrated on December 6.
AGHII APOSTOLI (Martinous)
It is located inside the courtyard of the old School of Pyrgos, at a location called Martinou, which was founded in 1803. Earlier in the past, it was a cave, situated outside the school’s courtyard. It is celebrated on June 29 and 30.
AGHIOS GEORGIOS (Lagadiotissa)
It is a glebe to Prophitis Ilias monastery, located southeast, in a dell. Remarkable icons dating from the 18th century were found in the chapel. During the saint’s celebration day, on April 23, a procession takes place.
AGHIA EKATERINI
It was built in 1660, following a single-aisled, vaulted basilica style, and it also belongs to the glebes of Prophitis Ilias monastery. It is celebrated on November 25.

Source: Oi ekklisies tou xoriou mas (The churches of our village), Kallisti Editions.

The epitaph

The procession of the Epitaph on Good Friday is a spectacular ceremony. A few minutes before the Epitaph is carried from the church of the Virgin Mary out to the castle, the village teenagers, who have already taken their positions on the roof-tops and terraces, light thousands of cans: they have placed them in the castle and around the settlement in the previous days.
The sight is impressive and visible from many spots around the island.
This is a relatively new tradition that took place for the first time about twenty years ago. It is based on the older tradition of Santorini of lighting fires in anticipation for the arrival of visitors on ships.

Prophet Elias monastery

In the years between 1711 and 1724, at an altitude of 567 m above Pyrgos, the male monastery of Profitis (Prophet) Elias was built. The view from this point is fantastic. Few monks live here, and access to females has been allowed since 1853.
The monastery’s catholic is the church of Prophitis Elias Thesvitis. The first stage of its reconstruction was completed in 1724. The church follows the cross-in-square type and is connected to the chapel of Hypapante to the south and the church of Aghias Triada to the north. There are two more churches above those chapels: Aghios Ioannis and Aghii Konstantinos and Eleni.