Thera

In the distant past, Santorini was known as Strongili, meaning ’round’ in Greek, due to its circular shape formed by volcanic activity. Its earliest inhabitants, the Minoans, revered it as a sacred land. They built magnificent palaces and thrived in prosperity, leaving behind remnants of their advanced civilization.

However, around 1600 BCE, the island’s fate took a dramatic turn. In one of the most catastrophic volcanic eruptions in recorded history, the volcano at the heart of Santorini erupted with colossal force.

The cataclysmic event devastated the island and plunged the region into darkness. The Minoan civilization, centered in nearby Crete, suffered greatly from the aftermath, believed by some scholars to have led to its decline.

For centuries, Santorini lay dormant, its once-thriving cities buried beneath layers of volcanic ash and pumice. Yet, nature’s destructive force had also bestowed upon it a unique beauty. The caldera formed by the eruption created a stunning landscape, with towering cliffs and submerged crater islands that allure travelers from around the globe.

Over time, Santorini rose from its volcanic ashes, its resilience mirrored in the spirit of its people. Greeks settled on the island, establishing new communities and cultivating its fertile soil. The island became known as Thera, a name derived from the ancient Greek word for ‘fear,’ perhaps a nod to the lingering memory of the cataclysm that shaped its destiny.

In the millennia that followed, Santorini’s fortunes ebbed and flowed with the tides of history. It fell under the rule of various empires, including the Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans, each leaving their mark on its culture and architecture.

In the 20th century, Santorini underwent a renaissance of sorts, as travelers rediscovered its allure. Its whitewashed buildings, perched precariously on cliffs overlooking the sea, became iconic symbols of Cycladic architecture. Artists, writers, and dreamers flocked to its shores, seeking inspiration in its timeless beauty.