Santorini is one of the most beautiful and breathtaking destinations in the world. From the sunsets to the cuisine to the shopping to the iconic greek style architecture, you are sure the be amazed during your stay there. Like most places in Europe, some of the most beautiful buildings are the churches, and the churches in Santorini are no exception. Some of the most famous photographs of Santorini include the churches with the white walls and the marvelous blue-colored domes. Not only are they beautiful for photos, but also historically significant to both the island and the Greek culture as well.
Upfront view of the Classical Greek Church stlye: white wall, blue dome
One of the most pristine churches in Oia is the Church of Panagia Platsani. Originally, the church was built on the edge of the village; however, in the mid 1950's there was a devestating earthquake that left the church in ruins. And so, the church was rebuilt at the center of the village. According to tradition, the icon of the Virgin above to entrance was found by a fisherman. The tradition says that while the fisherman was fishing, he saw the icon in the water and when he tried to get it, the icon kept moving further away. So, he brought priests and villagers to the shore and through prayer and supplication, they were able to bring the icon to the church. Eventually, the people contributed all they can so they could build a church overlooking the sea, where the Virgin Mary icon was found. In fact, the name "Platsani" comes from the words "plats plats" which means "splash splash" which was the sound the icon made when it was discovered.
View of the new Church of Panagia Platsani
Another beautiful church is a traditional Greek Orthodox Church, Ekklisia Isodia Throtokou. This church sits right along the Aegean Sea and is a beautiful place to watch the sunset. If you have the time, the church on the inside has beautiful traditional Greek artwork that will attract the eye of anyone. Like a lot of other churches in Santorni, this church was rebuilt after the terrible earthquake that hit the island in 1956. However, the inside of the church has religious art work that has transcended for centuries.
View of the Ekklisia Isodia Throtokou with the Aegean Sea in the background
Prehaps the most famous churches on the island are the Agios Spyridonas and the Anastaseos. You can see these two churches in most postcards, paintings and pictures when visting the island. The Agios Spyridonas is dedicated to Saint Spyridon who in honored in both Eastern and Western Christian traditions. The second is the Anastaseos which means "Resurrection" in Greek; and so, this church is dedicated to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
View of the two Famous Churches in Oia
It is important to note that the Christian religion is a very promient aspect of the Greek culture. In fact, most of the population in Greece claim to be Greek Orthodox. So, despite the small size of the island, the Greeks, throughout the course of Christianity present within their culture, has built many churches dedicated to various patrons within Christianity.
