4th Sept 06 - Santorini
Santorini was for ever changed by the volcanic eruption of
1600BC creating the world's biggest and deepest volcanic basin (or caldera). We
sailed into this caldera at dawn. Everything from the steep cliffs and islands
is made of volcanic material.
|
| Seven Seas Navigator moored in the caldera surrounded by cliffs |
|
| Elizabeth on our balcony with the town of Thira perched on the cliffs above |
|
|
| We went by boat to Athinios and then drove up the steep road to Episkopi to see the Byzantine Church built in 1104AD. |
|
| Worshipers through the centuries have offered "tammata" in the shape of the illness they wish to be cured - a heart, a leg, an eye. Where the prayers were successful the tammata are left to adorn the church. The failures are buried with the victims! |
|
| Another church in Mesa Gonia. Much of the village was destroyed by earthquake in 1956. |
|
| The Canava Roussos winery |
|
| Thira is built on the top of the cliffs, reached by a cable car or a long, steep climb up the steps (which you can see bottom right). A town of white houses but rather busy! |
|
| We climbed/walked to the highest vantage point... |
|
| ...to see our ship moored far below next to the 4-masted Wind Spirit |
| Return to Index |