Santorini,
one of the best-known of the cyclades, differs from the other
islands in the group thanks to its geological morphology,
the results of action by a volcano now dormant. The landscape
on the western side of the island, where towering cliffs crowned
by tiny and blindingly white houses plunge straight into the
depths of the sea.
The steep
coastline of the west is countered by the vast beaches of
teh east side, some of them sandy and others with pebbles.
From the landing-place, Skala, we can climb up to Fira, the
capital, on foot or on donkey-back. There is a funicular railway
for those who wish to avoid the hundreds of steps. Fira is
very attractive, with winding narrow streets, arcades and
a quarter where the Catholic nobility once dwelt. There is
a most important Museum, with prehistoric finds (monstly pottery),
a large collection of vases dating from the 7th and 6th centuries
BC (including the pieces known as 'Thera ware'), a few Archaic
and Classical pieces, and some Hellenistic and Roman sculptures
and portraits.
There
is a superb view out from Fira to the Kaenes, the two islets
of black stone created by the volcano. The islets can be visited
by launch. Ancient Thira is a site of great archaeological
interest which was ocupied by Phoenicians, Dorians, Romans,
and Byzantines. Down the centre of the city runs the Sacred
Way. The buildings include groups of houses, market-places,
baths, theatres, sanctuaries, the residence of Ptolemy Euergetes,
tombs of the Archaic and Classical periods and Early Christian
remains. On the surrounding rocks the names of the god Apollo
and of men and boys are inscribed in the ancient alphabet
of Thira.
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