Imerovigli
Iconic whitewashed buildings with sapphire domes, narrow crisscrossing walking paths, epic sunsets
General information
According to state files of the Catholic Bishopric of Thira, built-up web existed in the region from late 16th century. Imerovigli (or Merovigli) is a linear settlement which was developed on the edge of the cliff along the Caldera. It offers impressive view to the volcano. Fira and Imerovigli are just 3 km apart and there is access either from the asphalt road, or the cobblestone old path leading from Fira to Firostefani and Imerovigli.
The name Imerovigli comes from the words imera (day) and vigla (watchtower). Since it was at the top of the Caldera, it is possible that a lookout post for the pirates’ ships once stood here.
Visitors admire the architecture of the picturesque and peacefull village, which attracts –as it happens to all the other settlments on the Caldera- tourism of a high level.
There are luxury hotels, cafes, restaurants and taverns, mini markets, travel agencies, rent a car and many more.
History
Archives show that there has been a building network in Imerovigli as early as late 16th century.
It was the receiving for the inhabitants who were deserting Skaros castle and built the monastery of Aghios Nikolaos (Saint Nicholas) in 1816. The village grew linearly along the Caldera rim. From there a complex of narrow paths stemmed following the natural slopes of the ground. This constituted the circulation network of the settlement.
Before the 1956 earthquake, Imerovigli boasted the church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary, or Panagia Malteza (Holy Virgin the Maltese), built in the end of the 19th century, in Byzantine style. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, large manors stood side by side along the homes of the locals.
The earthquake damaged a big part of the village and most churches were ruined (Holy Virgin the Maltese, Panagia Xeportiani, Stavros, St Anthony the New). Aghios Nikolaos monastery was repaired later on.
However, in the 1970s people returned and started restoring their houses. Many of them were sold in order to become hotels and villas.
The castle of Skaros
When people lay eyes on the Imerovigli Skaros they may think it’s just another natural volcanic “sculpture”. However, those familiar with the island’s history know that up there, on this small piece of land, once stood an inviolable castle, with the public and private buildings of the island’s medieval capital.
Walking around
Taking a walk around the village you will notice the church of Anastasis (Resurrection) with the blue cupola. It is featured in many pictures of Santorini and a lot of couples choose it for their wedding. The church of Panagia Malteza (Holy Virgin the Maltese) is near the main square with the war memorial, but it is usually locked. The one you see today was built in 1972, replacing the old one, which was destroyed by the earthquake. In the same year, the church of Ioannis (St) Chrysostomos was also built.
Early in the morning or at sunset, we suggest that you walk towards Skaros. Passing by the church of Aghios (St) Georgios take some time to admire the astonishing view from its yard.
On your way you will also see the small picturesque church of Aghios (St) Ioannis Katiforis (which means “Saint John going downhill”, probably due to the ground declivity). The church was rebuilt in 1966. On the west side of Skaros there is Panagia Theoskepasti (Virgin Mary the God-covered), a church visible from the sea.
Walking in the opposite direction, towards Firostefani, you will come across the monastery of Aghios Nikolaos (St Nicholas) enclosed with walls.
Early in the morning or at sunset, we suggest that you walk towards Skaros. Passing by the church of Aghios (St) Georgios take some time to admire the astonishing view from its yard.
On your way you will also see the small picturesque church of Aghios (St) Ioannis Katiforis (which means “Saint John going downhill”, probably due to the ground declivity). The church was rebuilt in 1966. On the west side of Skaros there is Panagia Theoskepasti (Virgin Mary the God-covered), a church visible from the sea.
Walking in the opposite direction, towards Firostefani, you will come across the monastery of Aghios Nikolaos (St Nicholas) enclosed with walls.
- General information
-
General information
According to state files of the Catholic Bishopric of Thira, built-up web existed in the region from late 16th century. Imerovigli (or Merovigli) is a linear settlement which was developed on the edge of the cliff along the Caldera. It offers impressive view to the volcano. Fira and Imerovigli are just 3 km apart and there is access either from the asphalt road, or the cobblestone old path leading from Fira to Firostefani and Imerovigli.
The name Imerovigli comes from the words imera (day) and vigla (watchtower). Since it was at the top of the Caldera, it is possible that a lookout post for the pirates’ ships once stood here.
Visitors admire the architecture of the picturesque and peacefull village, which attracts –as it happens to all the other settlments on the Caldera- tourism of a high level.
There are luxury hotels, cafes, restaurants and taverns, mini markets, travel agencies, rent a car and many more. - History
-
History
Archives show that there has been a building network in Imerovigli as early as late 16th century.
It was the receiving for the inhabitants who were deserting Skaros castle and built the monastery of Aghios Nikolaos (Saint Nicholas) in 1816. The village grew linearly along the Caldera rim. From there a complex of narrow paths stemmed following the natural slopes of the ground. This constituted the circulation network of the settlement.
Before the 1956 earthquake, Imerovigli boasted the church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary, or Panagia Malteza (Holy Virgin the Maltese), built in the end of the 19th century, in Byzantine style. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, large manors stood side by side along the homes of the locals.
The earthquake damaged a big part of the village and most churches were ruined (Holy Virgin the Maltese, Panagia Xeportiani, Stavros, St Anthony the New). Aghios Nikolaos monastery was repaired later on.
However, in the 1970s people returned and started restoring their houses. Many of them were sold in order to become hotels and villas. - The castle of Skaros
-
The castle of Skaros
When people lay eyes on the Imerovigli Skaros they may think it’s just another natural volcanic “sculpture”. However, those familiar with the island’s history know that up there, on this small piece of land, once stood an inviolable castle, with the public and private buildings of the island’s medieval capital.
- Walking around
-
Walking around
Taking a walk around the village you will notice the church of Anastasis (Resurrection) with the blue cupola. It is featured in many pictures of Santorini and a lot of couples choose it for their wedding. The church of Panagia Malteza (Holy Virgin the Maltese) is near the main square with the war memorial, but it is usually locked. The one you see today was built in 1972, replacing the old one, which was destroyed by the earthquake. In the same year, the church of Ioannis (St) Chrysostomos was also built.
Early in the morning or at sunset, we suggest that you walk towards Skaros. Passing by the church of Aghios (St) Georgios take some time to admire the astonishing view from its yard.
On your way you will also see the small picturesque church of Aghios (St) Ioannis Katiforis (which means “Saint John going downhill”, probably due to the ground declivity). The church was rebuilt in 1966. On the west side of Skaros there is Panagia Theoskepasti (Virgin Mary the God-covered), a church visible from the sea.
Walking in the opposite direction, towards Firostefani, you will come across the monastery of Aghios Nikolaos (St Nicholas) enclosed with walls.Early in the morning or at sunset, we suggest that you walk towards Skaros. Passing by the church of Aghios (St) Georgios take some time to admire the astonishing view from its yard.
On your way you will also see the small picturesque church of Aghios (St) Ioannis Katiforis (which means “Saint John going downhill”, probably due to the ground declivity). The church was rebuilt in 1966. On the west side of Skaros there is Panagia Theoskepasti (Virgin Mary the God-covered), a church visible from the sea.
Walking in the opposite direction, towards Firostefani, you will come across the monastery of Aghios Nikolaos (St Nicholas) enclosed with walls.
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