 | Santorini Island Ancient Thira Reviews | 11 - 14 of 14 |  |
Ancient Thira is the name given to the extensive ruins on the flat top of Mesa Vouno, the mountainous headland between Kamari and Perissa. It was settled by Spartans in the 8th century BC, long after the great volcanic eruption led to the island's abandonment.
Unlike the previous inhabitants of Santorini who lived by the sea, these colonists settled in a well-defended hilltop position - inconvenient for resident and raider alike. The sea was a source of fear to these people, as it was for millennia after.
There is a short but steep path up to the summit from Kamari and a longer but easier climb from Perissa. DON'T use the zigzag road from Kamari if you're walking - it's boring and long; the path is to the right of it. It's advisable to start climbing before the sun gets too hot. Anyone reasonably fit can make it. There's also a parking area near the ruins and tour buses halt there, but even from there there is something of a climb up a rough path. This sight is not for the infirm.
The climb is well worth doing as the views are spectacular.
If you want to photograph the beautiful carvings on the houses, note that the sun only makes them visible at certain times. I took these pictures around 1 p.m.
In addition to a portrait of Artemidoris (a Hellenic Egyptian admiral, ca. 400 BC), there are also superbly preserved renderings of a lion, an eagle and a dolphin carved into rock.
The only road approach is from Kamari. There are footpaths from Kamari, Perissa and Mount Profitias Ilias - the latter is the highest point on the island, with excellent views, and is well worth the climb.
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 by GeorgiosXLeave a Comment Directions: in the South-East of the island, close to Episkopi Gonias
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Ancient Thira stays on hte Mesa Vouno headland.
You can reach Ancient Thira from Kamari or Perissa. Don't take any excursion bus. From Kamari you can walk a cobbled road or ride a dunkey and from Perissa you can follow the zigzag path. The paths from Kamair and Perissa meet at at a saddle between Mesa Vouno and Profitis Ilias. From the saddle the path to the site zigzags up to the top.
First you pass a chapel dating bach to the fourth century AD (picture 5) before skirting round to hte Temenos of Artemidoros with bas relief carvings of a dolphin, eagle and lion representing gods Poseidon, Zeus and Apollo and the Artemidoros. (picture 3 ) The ruins are impressively large and the views from the top are awesome.
Close to Basilika Stoa stays a house with a fallus carved in a wall (picture 4). Probable the house was a "heartbreak hotel" ;-).
The entrence is free but the doors are closed at 3.pm. Take water and food. There is a refreshment van but the drinks are expensive. Leave a Comment
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