Santorini has hundreds of churches, from the famous blue domes of Oia to the Orthodox and Catholic cathedrals of Fira, the hilltop Profitis Ilias monastery and the ancient Panagia Episkopi. This guide covers the cathedrals, the blue-domed churches, the monasteries and the historic churches worth visiting.
Churches are everywhere in the wider Santorini travel guide. They shape the island’s look and faith. The sections below cover the churches.
How many churches does Santorini have?
Santorini has hundreds of churches, with more than 600 across the island, both Greek Orthodox and, unusually, a notable Catholic community too. They range from tiny private chapels to grand cathedrals, blending Byzantine and Cycladic styles, and their whitewashed walls and blue domes define the island’s look.
Churches are woven into the very fabric of Santorini. The island has an extraordinary number of them, more than 600 in all, far outnumbering what its small population would seem to need, from tiny family chapels tucked into the lanes and clifftops to imposing cathedrals. Unusually for Greece, Santorini has a significant Catholic community alongside the Greek Orthodox majority, a legacy of Venetian rule, so you find both faiths represented. The churches blend Byzantine cross and basilica forms with the simple, whitewashed Cycladic style, and their blue domes and white bell towers against the sea are among the island’s most iconic and photographed sights, set within the wider Santorini blue domes. Fira holds the two cathedrals.
What are the cathedrals in Fira?
Fira has two cathedrals: the Orthodox Cathedral, the Candlemas of the Holy Virgin, built in 1827 and rebuilt after the earthquake, with arches and caldera views, and the baroque Catholic Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist of 1823 in the Catholic Quarter, in pale blue, grey and beige.
The capital is home to the island’s two grandest churches. The Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral, dedicated to the Candlemas of the Holy Virgin, stands on the caldera edge in Fira, originally built in 1827 and reconstructed to its present form after the destructive earthquake, with a handsome arched facade and sweeping views over the volcano. A short walk away, in the historic Catholic Quarter, the Catholic Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, built in 1823 and likewise restored after, shows a baroque style in soft tones of pale blue, grey and beige, reflecting the island’s Venetian Catholic heritage. Together they make Fira a fascinating place to see the two traditions side by side, set out alongside the guide to Fira. The monasteries crown the heights.
What are the main monasteries?
The main monastery is Profitis Ilias, founded in the early 18th century on the island’s highest peak above Pyrgos, with panoramic views and a museum of icons and relics. The convent of Agios Nikolaos, between Firostefani and Imerovigli, is the island’s only Greek Orthodox convent, founded in 1651.
Santorini’s monasteries occupy its most commanding positions. The greatest is the monastery of Profitis Ilias, founded in the early 18th century on the summit of the island’s highest mountain at 565 metres above the village of Pyrgos, a fortress-like complex with unrivalled panoramas over the whole island and a museum holding important icons, manuscripts, old books and displays of traditional crafts. Between Firostefani and Imerovigli stands the convent of Agios Nikolaos, the only Greek Orthodox convent on Santorini, founded in Skaros in 1651 and moved to its present spot in 1820, dedicated to three saints. These religious houses combine spiritual significance with history and superb views, set out alongside the guides to the Profitis Ilias monastery and Pyrgos. Older churches reward seeking out.
Which historic churches are worth visiting?
The most historic church is the Panagia Episkopi near Exo Gonia, the oldest on the island, built in the 11th century. The medieval village of Pyrgos has over 40 churches, including the Holy Trinity with its small museum, while Oia, Firostefani and Imerovigli hold the famous blue-domed churches.
Beyond the cathedrals and monasteries, Santorini’s older and smaller churches are full of character. The most important historically is the Panagia Episkopi, near Exo Gonia in the island’s centre-east, the oldest church on Santorini, built in the 11th century and still standing despite centuries of earthquakes, fires and lootings, a precious Byzantine survivor. The beautiful medieval hilltop village of Pyrgos alone has over 40 churches threaded through its lanes, including the church of the Holy Trinity with a small museum of Byzantine icons and ecclesiastical clothing. And of course the blue-domed churches of Oia, Firostefani and Imerovigli are the island’s photographic icons. Together they make church-hopping a rewarding way to explore, set out alongside the guides to Exo Gonia and Oia. The questions below cover the points travellers ask most.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many churches are in Santorini?
Santorini has hundreds of churches, more than 600 across the island, both Greek Orthodox and, unusually, a notable Catholic community too. They range from tiny private chapels to grand cathedrals, blending Byzantine and Cycladic styles, with the whitewashed walls and blue domes defining the island.
What are the main churches in Fira?
Fira has two cathedrals: the Orthodox Cathedral, the Candlemas of the Holy Virgin, built in 1827 and rebuilt after the earthquake, with caldera views, and the baroque Catholic Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist of 1823 in the Catholic Quarter, in pale blue, grey and beige.
What is the oldest church in Santorini?
The oldest church in Santorini is the Panagia Episkopi, near Exo Gonia in the island’s centre-east, built in the 11th century and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. A Byzantine church that has survived earthquakes, fires and lootings over the centuries, it is a major historic landmark.