Fira history

Foundation and Establishment of the Capital

The history of Fira as the main city of Santorini begins in the second half of the 18th century. Prior to this, the center of political and social life was the fortified castle of Skaros in Imerovigli. However, due to frequent earthquakes that damaged the rock, residents began seeking a safer location. By the early 19th century, Fira officially replaced Pyrgos and Skaros as the administrative center of the island.

Key Development Factors

The transformation of a small settlement into a thriving capital was driven by a combination of geographical and strategic advantages:

• Geographical Location: The city was founded on the edge of the caldera at an altitude of approximately 260 meters. This provided an excellent view of maritime routes and allowed for the early detection of approaching ships.
• Trade Connections: Direct access to the old port (Mesa Gialos) at the foot of the cliff facilitated the development of maritime trade. Goods were transported up to the city via a steep staircase using mules and donkeys.
• Security: The reduction of pirate threats in the Aegean Sea during this period allowed residents to leave the cramped fortress walls (kasteli) and build more spacious homes in open areas.

Early Cultural and Economic Character

From the moment of its foundation, Fira developed as a center of viticulture and commerce. The city's economic prosperity was reflected in its unique architecture: here, simple cave dwellings ("yposkafa"), carved into the soft volcanic rock for protection against wind and heat, coexisted harmoniously with the luxurious mansions of local shipowners and nobility.

The cultural life of the city was also diverse. Historically, Fira has seen the peaceful coexistence of two Christian denominations, evidenced by the presence of two majestic cathedrals—Orthodox and Catholic. This heritage serves as a reminder of the era of Venetian rule in the Cyclades.

Major Milestones in the City's History

• Late 18th Century — Residents of the fortified settlement of Skaros begin a mass migration to the plateau of present-day Fira to escape earthquakes.
• Early 19th Century — Fira officially receives the status of capital and administrative center of Santorini island.
• 1823 — Construction of the Catholic Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist is completed in the city center.
• 1827 — The majestic Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral is erected, becoming one of the city's main landmarks.
• 1956 — A powerful earthquake destroys a significant part of the historic buildings, including both main cathedrals.
• Late 1950s — Large-scale reconstruction of the city begins, during which architects carefully restore the traditional Cycladic style.
• 1960 — The Archaeological Museum of Thera opens, displaying finds from the ancient period.
• 1979 — Thanks to a donation by shipowner Evangelos Nomikos, the cable car connecting the city to the Old Port is launched.
• 2000 — The Museum of Prehistoric Thera opens its doors, becoming the home of the famous frescoes from Akrotiri.
• Start of the 21st Century — Fira definitively cements its status as one of the most visited tourism hubs in the Aegean Sea.

Stages of Transformation and Development

The development of Fira is a journey from a small settlement to a world-class tourism center. The following events and processes played a decisive role in shaping the modern appearance and economy of the city:

• Transfer of the Administrative Center (19th Century): The final relocation of authorities and nobility from Skaros Castle to Fira created a new urban hub. This decision shifted the island's focus from defensive functions to trade and administration, laying the foundation for future prosperity.
• Architectural Reconstruction after 1956: The devastating earthquake became a turning point. During the restoration of the city, a strategic decision was made to preserve and unify the traditional Cycladic style, rejecting modern, characterless construction. This formed the recognizable visual brand of Fira, which today attracts millions of tourists.
• Construction of the Cable Car (1979): The launch of the funicular connecting the city to the Old Port solved a major logistical problem. This opened Fira to mass cruise tourism, as the long ascent on foot or by donkey ceased to be the only option for access from the sea.
• Creation of a Museum Cluster: The opening of the Archaeological Museum and, later, the Museum of Prehistoric Thera turned the city from a scenic resort into an important cultural center. The concentration of unique artifacts and frescoes within the city allows tourists to explore history without traveling to excavation sites.
• Adaptation of Historic Buildings: In recent decades, a massive economic transformation of real estate has occurred. Traditional "cave houses" (yposkafa) and captains' mansions have been converted into boutique hotels and restaurants, radically changing the structure of the urban economy.
• Formation of the Caldera Promenade: The development of a pedestrian path along the cliff edge connected Fira with neighboring settlements (Firostefani, Imerovigli). This urban planning decision created a unified tourist zone with panoramic views, which serves as the main artery of city activity.

The City's Architectural Code

The architecture of Fira is the benchmark of the Cycladic style, uniquely adapted to the complex volcanic landscape. The city literally "flows" down the sheer walls of the caldera, forming a vertical labyrinth. Urban planning here was historically dictated not by a master plan, but by the terrain: buildings are arranged in terraces, where the roof of one house often serves as a veranda or part of the street for another.

Styles and Eras

The visual appearance of Santorini's modern capital intertwines utilitarian vernacular architecture with elegant influences of Western culture:

• Traditional Cycladic Style (Vernacular Architecture): The foundation of the city. These are the famous cubic forms, rounded corners, and dazzling white walls that reflect the sun. A key element is the "yposkafa" (cave houses). Carved into the soft volcanic rock, they feature an elongated shape and vaulted ceilings, allowing them to remain cool in summer and warm in winter without the use of timber, which was always scarce on the island.
• Venetian Influence (Echoes of the 13th–16th Centuries): Although Fira developed as a capital later, the legacy of Venetian rule in the Cyclades is clearly visible in the Catholic Quarter. Here, architecture leans towards Baroque elements, featuring elegant loggias and coats of arms of noble families on facades.
• Neoclassicism (19th Century): The period of economic prosperity and maritime trade introduced the "kapetano-spita" (captains' houses) style to the city. These mansions of shipowners differ from simple cave dwellings: they feature strict symmetry, high ceilings, marble verandas, and are often painted in ochre or pastel tones with contrasting cornices.

Iconic Structures Shaping the Skyline

Despite extensive reconstruction after the 1956 earthquake, Fira has preserved key architectural landmarks:

• Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral: Located in the lower part of the city and visible from almost any point. It is a monumental snow-white building with a large dome and arched galleries, serving as a symbol of the city's rebirth after the destruction of the mid-20th century.
• Catholic Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist: Located in the northern part of Fira. The Baroque-style building with an ornate clock tower and a color scheme unusual for the island (a combination of peach and blue) stands out against the white buildings.
• Megaro Gyzi: One of the oldest mansions (17th century) that survived the earthquake. Its architecture, with thick walls and an inner courtyard, demonstrates how wealthy Venetian families lived, and it now serves as a cultural center.

Distinguished Personalities

The history and cultural character of Fira are inextricably linked with the activities of patrons, researchers, and representatives of noble families. Their contributions helped preserve the city's heritage and transform it into a modern tourism hub.

• Evangelos Nomikos (1902–1979) — Shipowner and Patron.
  A key figure in the city's modern history. He fully funded the construction of the cable car connecting Fira to the Old Port. This project solved the capital's main transport problem and opened it to mass cruise tourism.
• Spyridon Marinatos (1901–1974) — Archaeologist and Professor.
  World-famous for the discovery of the Minoan settlement in Akrotiri. Although the excavations took place in the south of the island, it is thanks to his work that Fira possesses a unique collection of artifacts and frescoes, presented today in the Museum of Prehistoric Thera.
• Petros M. Nomikos — Entrepreneur and Philanthropist.
  Founder of the foundation and the conference center of the same name in Fira. Thanks to his initiative, the city hosts international scientific symposiums and maintains a permanent exhibition of high-precision reproductions of all ancient frescoes found on the island.
• Friedrich Hiller von Gaertringen (1864–1947) — German Archaeologist and Epigraphist.
  Led the first large-scale excavations of Ancient Thera on Mesa Vouno mountain in the early 20th century. The findings of his expedition (sculptures, ceramics from the Archaic and Hellenistic periods) formed the basis of the Archaeological Museum of Thera's exhibition.
• The Gyzi Family (17th–19th Centuries) — Venetian Nobility.
  An influential Catholic family that left a significant mark on the city's architecture. Their family mansion (Megaro Gyzi), built in the 17th century, is one of the few buildings from that era to survive the 1956 earthquake. It currently serves as an important cultural center in Fira.