Ancient Thira, Santorini
A Greek column at Ancient Thira. Photo by Yanick Bédard.
The dramatic hilltop ruins of Ancient Thira. Photo by Dan Cross.
Temple of Pythian Apollo (and the sea beyond). Photo by Yanick Bédard.
Agios Stefanos at Ancient Thira. Photo by Jim Moran.
Ruins of Greek theater. Photo © Andreas Neumann.
Path through the extensive ruins. Photo by Jim Moran.
Thira is the main island of Santorini. Here, on a high rocky headland called Mesa Vouna, between the two popular beaches of Kamari and Perissa are the ruins of Ancient Thira. The dramatic site offers not only ancient ruins but spectacular views off the cliffs that drop precipitously to the sea on three sides.
History
The hilltop was first inhabited by the Dorians, whose leader was Theras, in the 9th century BC. Thira was later occupied in the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine eras.
The ancient houses and larger part of the cemeteries were excavated by German archaeologists between 1895 and 1902, and the cemeteries on the northeast and northwest slopes of Sellada were excavated by N. Zapheiropoulos in 1961-1982.
What to See
Most of the ruins of Ancient Thira date from the Hellenistic era, but there are also extensive Roman and Byzantine remains.
One main street (intersected by many side-streets) runs the length of the site, passing first through two agoras, which include ruins of several Greek temples. The arc of the theater embraces the town of Kamari, Fira beyond, and the open Aegean. The extensive ruins also include Hellenistic shops, Roman baths, Byzantine walls, and the stone church of Agios Stefanos.
The Temple of Dionysos (3rd-century BC) is a small Doric temple with small cella and pronaos, built on an artificial terrace to the north of the Agora. The facade and roof were made of marble while the rest of the building was of local stone.
Founded by Artemidoros of Perge in the late 4th or early 3rd century BC, the Sanctuary of Artemidoros was entirely hewn from living rock. It includes various inscriptions and engravings of the wreathed Artemidoros as well as the symbols of gods: an eagle for Zeus, a lion for Apollo, a dolphin for Poseidon.
The Sanctuary of Apollo Karneios (6th century BC) is partially hewn from rock and partially constructed on an artificial terrace. It includes a temple with pronaos and cella, a square courtyard with an underground cistern (the roof of which was supported by six large monolithic pillars) and a small building, probably a repository.
There is a fine view from the large Terrace of the Festivals, where naked lads danced naked to honor Apollo. This may be related to the phallic graffiti visible nearby.
The cemeteries of Ancient Thira are on the slopes of the Sellada, either side of the roads that lead to the villages of Kamari and Perissa. The graves uncovered span the long period between the Geometric and Roman times.
Getting There
You can reach the site by taxi, but if fitness allows, it is better on foot. The walking route passes a cave that holds the only spring on the island. Allow several hours for Ancient Thira - at least four if you walk up and down.
Quick Facts
| Names: | Ancient Thira; Ancient Thera; Old Thira |
| Type of site: | Archaeological site |
| Faith: | Ancient Greek religion |
| Status: | Ruins |
| Dates: | 800s BC to c.800s AD |
| Location: | On a hilltop 3km (2 miles) south of Kamari by road, Santorini, Greece |
| Phone: | 22860/31-366 |
| Hours: | Daily 8am-2:30pm |
| Cost: | €4 |
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of Ancient Thira. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Santorini Map or get our free Google Earth download.
Sources
- Frommer's Greece, 5th ed. (2005).
- Ancient Thera - Hellenic Ministry of Culture
- Ancient Thira - Welcome to Santorini
