Pyrgos (or more precisely: Pyrgos Kallistis) is a village in the central part of the island, 7 kilometers from Fira. The town (the former capital of the island) is strategically located on a hill topped by the ruins of a Venetian castle. Pyrgos is a well-preserved example of Greek medieval architecture with labyrinthine streets, hidden passages and ramparts. It is worth entering this labyrinth to try to get to the castle without looking at the signposts - I assure you that it is not easy :-)
We came to Pyrgos for the afternoon and after a very good dinner in the Kantouni restaurant, we set off to conquer the castle that dominates the old town. I marked the location of the restaurant (the best we have been to in Santorini) on the map.
We entered the maze of streets and almost immediately lost our way.
We walked around the whole hill through narrow passages ... and there was still no entrance to the castle ... In the Middle Ages, getting the castle was a problem, but as it turns out, an even bigger problem is to find the way to it ...
In Greece, I have always liked the aesthetics - a plant, a door, a wall, a fence ... and a beautiful picture is created.
Peaceful afternoon in Pyrgos - empty and quiet. It's hard to believe that a few kilometers away in Fira or Oi, there are hundreds of tourists in the streets ...
Finally, after about an hour of walking, we found the ruins of the castle. From the top of the hill there is a beautiful view of almost the entire island. You can see the airport.
Assumption of Virgin Mary Holy Orthodox Church
Orthodox Church of the Assumption of Virgin Mary Holy on the top of the hill right next to the castle.
I have a weakness for the doors ... especially in Greece ... when I see such a picture I just have to photograph it :-)
On our way back from the castle we walked by the souvenir shops ... nice things sell there - it's worth stopping and buying something handmade.
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