The most prominent archaeological site in Santorini -and one of the most important archaeological sites in the Aegean– is Akrotiri and the findings of the excavations that began in 1967. Akrotiri (Promontory) is located at the southwestern tip of the island, 15 km from Fira. After several years, the archaeological site re-opened for the visitors since April 2012, after the new roof was in place.
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The big excavation
First signs of habitation in Akrotiri date back to the Late Neolithic Period (at least from the 4th millennium BC). By the Early Bronze Age (3rd millennium BC), there was a settlement in Akrotiri that was expanded in the Middle and Late Bronze Age (20th-17th centuries BC) becoming one of the main urban centres of the Aegean. The growth of the town ended abruptly at the end of the 17th century BC, when its inhabitants left due to powerful seismic foreshocks.
Then, the volcano erupted, and volcanic material covered the town and the rest of the island, preserving the buildings and their contents to this day. Professor Spyros Marinatos began systematic excavations in Akrotiri, in 1967. After Marinatos died, in 1974, excavations continued under the direction of professor Christos Doumas.
INFO:Visiting hours 10.00-17.00
For information please contact: +30 22860 81939 and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera: +30 22860 23217