There is absolutely no lack of ruins or archaeological gems all across Greece. No matter where you go, it feels like you can't help but practically trip over history. However, if you find a vacation rental in South Aegean and are exploring the island, there is one archaeological and historic attraction that you simply must check out.
Tucked away at the southern tip of Santorini, you will find Akrotiri, one of the Bronze age’s most incredible ruins and sophisticated ancient settlements. Like Pompeii, this prosperous Minoan town was literally stalled in its tracks by a giant volcanic eruption and is remarkably well-preserved, as a result. Frozen in time, it is an extraordinary sight to behold.
Tucked away at the southern tip of Santorini, you will find Akrotiri, one of the Bronze age’s most incredible ruins and sophisticated ancient settlements. Like Pompeii, this prosperous Minoan town was literally stalled in its tracks by a giant volcanic eruption and is remarkably well-preserved, as a result. Frozen in time, it is an extraordinary sight to behold.
The Minoan civilisation flourished from approximately 3600BC to 1400BC and this eruption of Thera is thought to have been the definitive cause of its demise. It has even been labelled the most destructive natural event in recorded history by experts.
A sophisticated town for its time, it featured elaborate architecture, multi-storey buildings, a drainage system, and indoor plumbing. Unlike Pompeii, no human remains have been found and it is thought that the Minoans were able to evacuate safely and take their valuables before they fled. Instead of more morbid remains, we simply have the vivid ghost of the plan of this extraordinary ancient town.
Some scholars have even argued that, as Plato’s description of the sudden destruction of Atlantis is so parallel to the eruption of Thera and the subsequent destruction of Akrotiri and as this is a modern name given to the settlement, it may have even been the fabled city of “Atlantis.” Who knows!
If you are in Santorini, this mysterious and fascinating gem really is a must-see!
Opening hours:
November and March 8am-3pm, every day except Monday.
April to October 8am-8pm, every day.
A sophisticated town for its time, it featured elaborate architecture, multi-storey buildings, a drainage system, and indoor plumbing. Unlike Pompeii, no human remains have been found and it is thought that the Minoans were able to evacuate safely and take their valuables before they fled. Instead of more morbid remains, we simply have the vivid ghost of the plan of this extraordinary ancient town.
Some scholars have even argued that, as Plato’s description of the sudden destruction of Atlantis is so parallel to the eruption of Thera and the subsequent destruction of Akrotiri and as this is a modern name given to the settlement, it may have even been the fabled city of “Atlantis.” Who knows!
If you are in Santorini, this mysterious and fascinating gem really is a must-see!
Opening hours:
November and March 8am-3pm, every day except Monday.
April to October 8am-8pm, every day.
Photo credit: Norbert Nagel / CC BY-SA 3.0