산토리니(Santorini,Thira) (영문 안내문)

산토리니(Santorini. Thira). 그리스(Greece)

 www.santorini.com

 

 

Santorini is undoubtedly the most extraordinary southernmost Cycladic island in the Aegean & is believed by some to be the site of the "Lost Continent of Atlantis". From as early as 3000 BC. the island developed as a sophisticated outpost of Minoan civilization until, around 1450 BC, catastrophe came: the volcanic island erupted, its heart sank below the sea, & earthquakes reverberated across the Aegean. Thira was destroyed & with it, it is believed, toppled the great Minoan civilizations on Crete. Egyptian papyri describing Atlantis, the Happy Isle, submerged by the sea, we quoted by many ancient writers, among them Solon & Plato.

 

Evidence of the Minoan colony was found at Akrotiri, a village buried under banks of the volcanic ash at the southwest tip of the island. Thnnels through the ash uncovered structure, 2 & 3 stories high, first damaged by the earthquake then buried by the eruption.

Lavish frescoes decorated with delightful frescoes of men, plants, birds & apes (the last never depicted in Minoan paintings) adomed the walls. Cretan pottery was found stored in a chamber. Some of the frescoes are currently exhibited at the Athens archeological museum.

No human skeletons have come to light, so evidently the islanders had beeen warned by some volcanic activity before the final disaster & took to boats in time, probably to be engulfed in the tidal waves.

Santorini is comprised of 13 villages, covering a 73 sq.km area. WIthin these village there are only 2 principal towns.

 

FIRA (THIRA - HORA)

Fira, the island's capital, has its houses built in a style unique to the island - small, dazzlingly white, with numerous windows & vaulted roofs they present a stunning picture. From below, on the sea, it looks much as it was before the great earthquake of 1956: a line of whiteness above the cliffs.

 

A stunningly attractive setting, you can go up by cable car or you might prefer to ascend the 588 steps of the zig-zag cliff path on foot or on donkey/mule. Fira's cliff-top position is its main attraction.

Thira produces potent sweetish wine; the rich volcanic soil is friendly to viniculture, & to the growth of small sweet tomatoes.

In Fira shopping is located along the main street. Odos lpapantis, beginning at the north end of the cable car station.

You will find wonderful pieces of art painted on the spot by local artists, clothing unique to Santorini, local pottery, handicrafts & other unique items & souvenirs

 

OIA (EEA)

The second major town, Oia is perched at the summit of the caldera, on the northern tip of the island. This picturesque fishing village was devastated by the earthquake in 1956 & has been completely rebuilt. Oia is comprised of 2 streets. Buildings  tree trunks are painted white every year & stand out against the backdrop of rust color layers of rock, earth & volcanic ash.

Tender boats will take you ashore to the port of Skala along the shores of the caldera, at the foot of the cliffs.

 

There are 3 options to reach the town of Fira: cable car, donkey ride or a very strenuous 45 minute walk uphill, on a path you will share with the mules.

 

* Cable car ride : 4.00 Euros each way

* Donkey ride : 4.00 Euros each way

 

● Please note : riding the donkeys it is not recommended by Louis Cruise. It can

    be dangerous & it at your own risk.

 

- Louis Majesty 선박에서 제공한 영문 안내문에서 -

 

 

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