St. John the Baptist Cathedral, Santorini (must see)
One cannot help but notice the beautiful grand churches and cathedrals that decorate the landscape of the island known as Thera or Fira. They are as much part of the community as are the many lava remnants. Dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, the Catholic Cathedral of Santorini is a handsome and unique place of worship. Its peach exterior contrasts with the many white and blue domed churches that dot the landscape of this quaint, yet beautiful town. It was built in the 17th century by the Jesuit monks, missionaries of the Apostolic Order.
Santorini has experienced a lot of seismic activity throughout its existence. An earthquake in 1956 completely destroyed the previous church. The house of worship that we may enjoy today was restored and opened in 1975.
You will be impressed by the exquisiteness of the structure with its magnificent clock tower and accompanying bells. Once you enter the place of worship, you will find the confessional that is located to the side. The interior is eye-catching and features blue, orange, and cream accents throughout the building. A striking chandelier hangs below a religious painting, which is featured on a domed ceiling, and spectacular arches border the framed portraits of religious figures. Located on an island that the crusaders visited, this cathedral is simply stunning.
Why You Should Visit:
Not only do you experience the architecture of the island, but also, you may find a narrow street where all the souvenir shops are located, and you can eat a typical, local gyro as you look around the shops.
Tip:
You'll probably feel at ease attending a Sunday mass here (10am), as most attendees are usually tourists and there are parts where you may even recite in your own language instead of Greek, as there are many languages represented among the congregation.
Santorini has experienced a lot of seismic activity throughout its existence. An earthquake in 1956 completely destroyed the previous church. The house of worship that we may enjoy today was restored and opened in 1975.
You will be impressed by the exquisiteness of the structure with its magnificent clock tower and accompanying bells. Once you enter the place of worship, you will find the confessional that is located to the side. The interior is eye-catching and features blue, orange, and cream accents throughout the building. A striking chandelier hangs below a religious painting, which is featured on a domed ceiling, and spectacular arches border the framed portraits of religious figures. Located on an island that the crusaders visited, this cathedral is simply stunning.
Why You Should Visit:
Not only do you experience the architecture of the island, but also, you may find a narrow street where all the souvenir shops are located, and you can eat a typical, local gyro as you look around the shops.
Tip:
You'll probably feel at ease attending a Sunday mass here (10am), as most attendees are usually tourists and there are parts where you may even recite in your own language instead of Greek, as there are many languages represented among the congregation.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Santorini. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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St. John the Baptist Cathedral on Map
Sight Name: St. John the Baptist Cathedral
Sight Location: Santorini, Greece (See walking tours in Santorini)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Santorini, Greece (See walking tours in Santorini)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Santorini, Greece
Create Your Own Walk in Santorini
Creating your own self-guided walk in Santorini is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Oia Walking Tour
The main attraction of Santorini island, Oia is a scenic coastal town hanging on the northwestern tip of the rugged clifftop overlooking the Aegean Sea. The idyllic setting of narrow alleyways and white-washed, blue-domed churches is complemented by charming, traditional Cycladic houses built on the lip of the caldera (volcanic crater filled with water) as well as cave homes in the niches carved... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Fira Walking Tour
Although widely known as Santorini, the famous Greek island in the Aegean Sea is officially called Thira or Thera. It is the alternative pronunciation of the latter that gives Santorini's modern capital Fira its name.
Founded at the end of the 18th century, the city is built on the "eyebrow" of the 400-meter high caldera on the western edge of the semi-circular island. From this... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Founded at the end of the 18th century, the city is built on the "eyebrow" of the 400-meter high caldera on the western edge of the semi-circular island. From this... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Firostefani and Imerovigli Walking Tour
Away from the crowded Fira yet close to the famous Santorini caldera, there are two small settlements: Firostefani and Imerovigli. Each of these gorgeous neighborhoods has something unique to offer, and thus represents an attraction in its own right.
The quaint village of Firostefani, whose name translates as "The Crown of Fira", is now considered a suburb of Santorini's capital,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
The quaint village of Firostefani, whose name translates as "The Crown of Fira", is now considered a suburb of Santorini's capital,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles