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Europe > Greece > Greek Islands > Cyclades > Santorini > Pyrgos

Church of the Presentation of the Theotokos in Pyrgos

Pyrgos is a town on Thira, part of the Santorini archipelago in the Greek island group known as the Cyclades.

Understand

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Pyrgos is a town in central Thira, the largest island of the Santorini archipelago, and home to one of 5 Venetian castles that were built on the island to defend it against invaders.

In this article, the greater Pyrgos agglomeration is considered which includes Episkopi Gonias and Exo Gonia.

Get in

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See also: Santorini#Get_in

Get around

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During Orthodox Easter, Pyrgos becomes a destination for pilgrims from all over Santorini, and the town is lit by thousands of candles placed on walls, roofs, and pretty much any reasonably flat surface.

  • 1 Pyrgos Castle. The ruins of a Venetian castle erected for defensive purposes that once served as the administrative centre for the island. Kasteli tou Pyrgou (Q107405412) on Wikidata (updated Apr 2022)
  • 2 Art Space, ☏ +30 2286 032774, . 11:00 - 22:00 daily. Historic wine cellar converted into a museum and arts gallery. (updated Apr 2022)
  • 3 Profeta Elías Monastery (Ιερά Μόνη Προφήτου Ηλία Θήρας), ☏ +30 2286 031210. Monastery on the hike from Imerovigli to Kamari. It is a prominent landmark on the island, but more often than not closed. Some of the architecture can be admired from outside the monastery walls, fortunately. It's rather off the beaten track, and not worth making a detour for. (updated Apr 2022)
  • 4 Panaghia Episcope. A well preserved Byzantine church dated 1115. Panagia Episkopi (Q14733923) on Wikidata Panagia Episkopi on Wikipedia (updated Apr 2022)
  • 5 Museum of Icons and Relics. appointment only. A small folklore museum with a collection of beautiful and valuable icons, sculptures, relics, vestments, books and other objects related to the liturgy and the church. (updated Apr 2022)
  • 6 Radar station. A half spherical radar dome on top of a tower on the highest point of the island, that serves as a landmark for navigation and hikers in the area. It can be seen from almost everywhere on the Santorini archipelago in good weather conditions. The radar installation itself can't be visited. (updated Apr 2022)
View of Pyrgos from Mount Profitis Ilias

Climb the mountain! There are both road and foot paths to the top. See the view from the monastery. It is quite spectacular. The monastery itself is usually closed, but on rare occasions, you can visit. If on foot, you can take a path down the other side of the mountain to Kamari or Perissa, and see Ancient Thira along the way. Note that the path is not marked -- heading up, it comes off of the left side of the road, very close to the top.

There are plenty of souvenir shops within the perimeter of the Venetian castle, and also several art galleries. Water, snacks, and supplies can be purchased in 2 mini markets near the bus stop.

Drink

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Sleep

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Go next

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