The ancient city of Thera is one of the most visited places in Santorini. It is in a fortified place, 396m above the sea. The Dorians formed a closed society which was influenced only by its immediate neighbors and for its strategic position.
Ancient Thera, Santorini
The site was excavated by a German expedition in 1860, and you can see remains of Hellenistic culture, Roman and Byzantine periods. The ruins are limited, but you can see evidence of temples, houses with mosaic floors, an agora, a gymnasium and a theater with stunning views over the sea. Many of the ruins dates from the Ptolemies, who built temples in honour to the gods of Egypt in the third and fourth centuries BC.
Ancient Thera, Santorini
On the western edge of the site there is a sanctuary of the third century BC that has reliefs symbolizing the gods, an eagle (Zeus), a lion (Apollo), a dolphin (Poseidon), and a phallus (Dionisio). To the east you will find the Terrace of the celebrations. The graffiti was a problem even in the eighth century BC, and if you look, you can find the message in favor of participatantes at festivals.
Road to Ancient Thera, Santorini
There is a footpath from Perissa, and the walk is about thirty minutes. To go by car, take the road from Kamari.
