Churches in Santorini
Santorini is famous for the much-photographed blue-domed and colorful churches that can be seen on the entire island. Each church bears witness to a unique history and has a feast to celebrate, upon which great festivals take place in the villages. Religion plays a significant role in the life of the locals.
The largest church of Santorini is the Orthodox Cathedral at the center of Fira. It was founded in the 19th century and its interior is adorned with striking frescoes. Near it is the Catholic Cathedral dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. The famous church of Panagia Episkopi has survived many invasions and is well-preserved up to this day. In the Catholic neighborhood of Fira lies the Dominican Convent, a place with the unique insight of the artwork that prevailed in Santorini during the medieval times. Today it is inhabited by 12 nuns.
Between the villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli, you will find Agios Nikolaos Monastery. Inside the complex is an ecclesiastical and a folklore museum. On a hillside above Perissa Beach is the chapel of Panagia Katefiani, worth visiting for its fabulous location. The Monastery of Prophet Elias offers an ideal trekking route, passing through the rocky landscape of Santorini and the best view, located on the island's highest spot. Churches of great interest can be found in the smaller villages as well.
Oia Blue Dome Churches
Along with the breathtaking caldera in the background, the blue-domed churches constitute the most photographed scenery of the Cyclades, being depicted in thousands of cart postales.
Prophet Elias Monastery
The Monastery of Prophet Elias is located on the highest peak of Santorini 565m. It comprises an ideal destination for trekking and offers a gorgeous view of the island. The Monastery also hosts a small ecclesiastical museum.
3 Dome church
The 3 dome church guarantees breathtaking views of the setting, including the quaint caldera, the Aegean sea, and the photogenic blue-domed churches of Oia.
Catholic Cathedral
The Catholic Cathedral is very close to the Orthodox Church. It is located in the Catholic quarter of Fira Santorini and distinguishes for its vibrant colors. The church is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. The bell tower was rebuilt after the terrible earthquake of 1956 that hit the island.
Theoskepasti chapel
Theoskepasti chapel is one of the lesser-known yet very enchanting churches in Santorini. Its location ensures panoramic views of the deep-blue waters of the Aegean.
Three bells church
The Three Bells of Fira church is a Catholic church dedicated to the Dormition. It dates back to the 18th century, although various modifications have occurred throughout the years.
Agios Ioannis Chapel
Located on the hiking path to Skaros Rock in Imerovigli, a few meters below Grace Hotel, Agios Ioannis Chapel is also known as Agios Ioannis o Katiforis (= going downhill) because of its location.
Agios Stylianos Catholic Church
Agios Stylianos Church in Fira is located on the edge of the cliff, offering beautiful views of the village, the sea, and the volcano. Its unique design is what makes it a photogenic religious building.
Agios Nikolaos Church
On your way to Oia’s castle, the small church of Agios Nikolaos with its blue dome will draw your attention. It offers enchanting views of the Aegean and the sunset.
Church of Agios Minas
Standing on the edge of the caldera in Fira, the whitewashed Church of Agios Minas (also known as Katofirianos) can be found in the southern part of the old town, overlooking the volcanic landscape & the sea.
Blue Dome Anastaseos Church
Anastaseos church is one of the famous blue dome churches on the island.
Church of Agios Ioannis Theologos
The beautiful church of Agios Ioannis Theologos stands out for its unique architecture. It lies in Fira at a calm and quiet location, overlooking the caldera, the volcano, and the sea.
Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral
The Orthodox Cathedral stands in Fira. Originally built in 1827, the church got severely damaged by the earthquake that hit Santorini in 1956, so it was rebuilt. It has beautiful frescoes painted by the local artist Christoforos Assimis.
Church of Panagia Episkopi
The church of Panagia Episkopi is one of the most important Byzantine churches on Santorini. South of Mesa Gonia village, this church was constructed in the 12th century AD and it is dedicated to the Assumption of Virgin Mary.
Agios Nikolaos Monastery
The Monastery of Agios Nikolaos is located between Firostefani and Imerovigli. Founded in 1651, it hosts important relics and Byzantine icons.
Holy Trinity Church
The church of the Holy Trinity has been constructed according to the traditional style. Located in Pyrgos village, it also houses a small museum with Byzantine icons and ecclesiastical clothing.
Church of Holy Cross
Located in the central square of Perissa, the church of Holy Cross is among the largest churches in Santorini. It was initially constructed during the 19th century but was reconstructed after the earthquake of 1956.
Panagia Katefiani
This small church is located on a hillside above the beach of Perissa, on the way to Ancient Thira. Due to its location, it offers a marvelous view of the sea.
Dominican Convent
The Dominican Convent is a yellow building in the Catholic quarter of Fira, next to the Catholic Cathedral. It functions until today and is home to twelve nuns of different nationalities.
Agios Georgios Chapel
Near the start of the hiking trail to Skaros Rock lies the chapel of Agios Georgios. The small church overlooks the sea and offers wonderful panoramic views of the volcanic caldera.
Agios Ioannis yellow chapel
Agios Ioannis is a lovely chapel offering wonderful sunset views. Its trademark is a yellow facade. It constitutes the perfect place to enjoy the setting away from the bursting villages.
Prophet Elias Hamilos
Located near the village of Emporio, that whitewashed chapel comprises an ideal ambiance full of tranquility, as well as wonderful sea views.
Church of Panagia Sergena
Carved out of a high volcanic rock, the Church of Panagia Sergena is a hidden gem located within a few-minute walk from Vothonas village.