Santorini’s History: Antiquity, Blue Domes, and the Volcano

June 14, 2025
Destination

You might already know that Santorini is famous for its blue-domed chapels, white-washed houses, dramatic caldera, and volcano. But the history of Santorini is pretty interesting as well.

In this article, we will delve into the fascinating past of this Cycladic gem and share historical facts about Santorini that you probably don’t know. Are you ready to dive into the goldmine of Santorini’s history?

When did the history of Santorini start?

Excavations carried out on the island have shown that Santorini has been populated since the middle of the 3rd millennium BC. More specifically, there were Bronze Age civilizations in Santorini between 3000 and 2000 BC. These civilizations continued to thrive until the volcanic eruption, also known as the Minoan eruption, which took place around 1600 BC, during the Minoan civilization period.

The most important periods in Santorini’s history

The most important periods in Santorini’s history include:

Prehistoric Period

Santorini’s prehistoric period lasted from the Late Neolithic to the Early and Middle Bronze Age. The renowned Akrotiri settlement flourished during this time but was destroyed in the Late Bronze Age, around 1600 BC.

Archaic and Classical Periods

During the Archaic Period, Ancient Thera rose, becoming a cultural and commercial center. In the Classical Period, the island continued to prosper, and many temples and public buildings were built.

Roman Period

Santorini became part of the Roman Empire in the 1st century BC, under whose rule it prospered. Many public buildings, like theatres and gymnasiums, were constructed during this period.

Byzantine Period

After the Roman Period came the Byzantine Period, during which the first churches and monasteries were built on the island as Christianity spread.

Venetian Rule

During Venetian Rule, Santorini was given its name, taken after the local church of Saint Irene, and many castles were built on the island, including Skaros Castle and Oia Castle.

Ottoman Rule

In 1579, Santorini fell under Ottoman rule, which lasted until the Greek War of Independence in 1821. During this period, the island had some autonomy, and trade continued.

Modern Period

The Modern Period begins with Santorini becoming part of the independent Greek state in 1830. In 1956, a major earthquake caused a lot of damage to the island, which was later reconstructed, leading to Santorini’s touristic development in the late 20th century.

What did Santorini look like before the volcano erupted?

One of its original names, Strogyli (round), indicates that Santorini had a round shape before the volcanic eruptions that happened millions of years ago. These eruptions divided the originally round Santorini into smaller islands, including Santorini, Palea Kameni, Nea Kameni, and Therasia.

Palea Kameni is famous for its sulfur-rich hot springs, while in Nea Kameni, you will find the craters of the still-active volcano. They’re truly unmissable!

The history of Santorini’s villages

The history of Fira in Santorini

Fira, the capital of Santorini, is one of the most popular and most-photographed towns on the island, alongside Oia. The history of Fira in Santorini dates back to the 18th century, when the inhabitants left the old capital, Kasteli Skarou, where Imerovigli is now located, due to the damage caused by earthquakes.

The new town they established was named Fira and later became the island’s capital. Today, in Fira, you will find the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, where you can immerse yourself in the fascinating history of Santorini, discovering findings from excavations carried out throughout the island. It’s one of the best things to do in Santorini for history buffs!

The history of Oia in Santorini

Oia may be the most picturesque village in Santorini today, attracting numerous visitors thanks to its breathtaking sunset views, but it was an important maritime hub during Venetian Rule, playing a crucial role in the island’s economy.

However, the devastating earthquake in 1956 destroyed many buildings, causing Oia to lose its original beauty. This changed in the 70s, when Santorini started to become a popular destination, attracting artists, celebrities, and tourists from all over the world. From that point on, Oia began to attract attention, which led to the luxurious appeal it boasts today!

The history of Pyrgos in Santorini

The history of Pyrgos in Santorini began during Venetian Rule, when the settlement was built to protect the island from pirates, thanks to its panoramic sea views, which allowed the inhabitants to spot pirate raids. Also known as Pyrgos Kallistis, this village evolved through the ages and managed to preserve some original features despite the earthquake.

Today, Pyrgos is a protected traditional settlement boasting beautiful views and many traditional Cycladic blue-domed churches and chapels to explore.

The history of the architecture and the blue domes in Santorini

Whether you’ve seen postcards from Santorini or visited the island yourself, one thing that has probably stood out to you is the picturesque blue domes of the churches. But why are the domes in Santorini blue? The answer is that Santorini’s churches were painted white and blue by the inhabitants in the second half of the 20th century to match the colors of the Greek flag.

Very soon, the blue-domed churches became the island’s trademark, with millions of tourists visiting just to be photographed in front of them -it’s arguably one of the best experiences in Santorini! If you’re wondering where to find the most beautiful blue-domed churches on the island, Oia, Pyrgos, Firostefani, and Imerovigli are your best options!

The history of Santorini and Atlantis

Santorini has been associated with several myths throughout history! The most famous of these is Plato’s Myth of Atlantis, according to which Atlantis was where Santorini and Crete are located today. Due to earthquakes and floods, Atlantis was destroyed or, according to others, lost, leaving behind an intriguing mystery!

Another myth about Santorini, associated with one of the island’s original names, is the myth of Kallisti. According to this myth, Poseidon’s and Venus’s son Triton created Santorini just by immersing his hand in the waters of the Aegean between Crete and the mainland. This new volcanic island was named Kallisti (the most beautiful one) thanks to its beauty!

The history of the Red Beach in Santorini

The Red Beach owes its beautiful color to the oxidation of iron-rich lava resulting from the volcanic eruptions that occurred in Santorini throughout the ages. Even if you visit the island in the shoulder season, it’s worth visiting Red Beach just to take photos -you will see it at its most superb without the crowds!

FAQs about Santorini’s history

What’s the history of the port of Fira in Santorini?

The history of the port of Fira in Santorini began centuries ago, when a volcanic eruption divided the island. The Old Port of Santorini played an important role in the island’s commercial development and served as the main access point before the construction of the modern Athinios port. The port, which boasts a beautiful volcanic landscape, can be reached by steps or a funicular, and it mainly serves cruise ships today.

What’s the history of Akrotiri in Santorini?

The history of Akrotiri in Santorini is fascinating! This Neolithic settlement flourished during the Bronze Age and reached its peak in the Minoan era, evolving into an advanced settlement.

The excavation that began in 1967 at the archaeological site of Akrotiri revealed multi-story buildings, furniture, pottery, everyday objects, and an innovative drainage system, showing that the people who lived there were wealthy. To explore the ruins of this city, you can visit the Archaeological Site of Akrotiri near Akrotiri!

What is the real name of Santorini?

The name Santorini, given to the island during the Latin Empire era in the 13th century, derives from Saint Irene, a church in Perissa. However, before that, Santorini was also known as Kallisti and Strogyli.

Strogyli, which means ‘round’ in Greek, refers to the original round shape of the island before the volcanic eruptions. Another, more recent name for Santorini, still used, is Thera, which derives from Theras, the name of the Spartan leader who colonized the island.

What’s the history of Santorini’s cave houses?

The history of Santorini’s cave houses, also known as ‘yposkafa’, dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, when crew members from sailing boats and local sailors were seeking cheap housing options. They couldn’t afford traditional homes, so they carved their homes into the volcanic rock, which protected them from harsh weather conditions.

What’s the history of Santorini’s wine?

Santorini’s wine history goes back over four millennia, making the island one of the world’s oldest winemaking locations. The first evidence of winemaking was found during the Minoan era, but wine production continued to evolve throughout the centuries, with many Santorini wines being exported worldwide.

What’s the history of Santorini’s earthquakes?

The biggest earthquake in Santorini’s history was caused by the massive volcanic eruption around 1600 BC. However, the most notable earthquake in the island’s modern history happened in 1956, destroying many buildings and causing mass emigration from Santorini.

What’s the history of Santorini’s volcanic eruption and the caldera?

The history of Santorini’s caldera is intertwined with the history of the volcanic eruption, as the latter formed the island’s unique landscape. Santorini’s colossal volcanic eruption around 1600 BC caused a part of the island to sink, forming the world-famous caldera and volcanic islets.

The history of Santorini in Greece is fascinating! From the myths associated with the island to the volcanic eruptions and the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri, there are so many things to discover. So, whether or not you’re a history buff, book an escape to Santorini island and experience the magic of its past!