Panagia Katefiani Chapel

Imagine living on the side of an active volcano. Santorini or Thira is an island in the southern Aegean Sea, about 200km or 120miles south-east of Greece's mainland. It is the largest island of a small, circular archipelago which bears the same name and is the remnant of a volcanic caldera.

Walking around in the towns and villages you are always climbing or descending steps. This is due to the steep sides on the Volcano cone. The buildings are often painted in bright colours, which add to the rustic charm. The small frontage of the buildings, hide the cool underground living spaces excavated into the volcano walls.

The warm wind is always blowing and grapes are grown on vines that are wound in a circle on the floor. Santorini is also famed for its stunning sunsets. Cruise ships call to the island where a cable car carries visitors up the crater walls.

There is a church -chapel on the side of the cliff above the coastal town of Perissa a tiny chapel called Panagia Katefiani. At a height of 200 meters on the slopes of Mesa Vouno Mountain. This small church, built on a huge rock, was used in the past as a refuge for the locals in times of pirate attack. Set in a fabulous location overlooking Perissa and the south coastline of Santorini, the chapel provides a breathtaking view to the Aegean Sea. Behind the chancel, there is a small cave with an ancient fountain whose water is believed to have therapeutic effects. Panagia Katefiani celebrates on September 8th, the day of Virgin Mary's birthday. It is located on the way from Perissa to the ancient town of Thira.
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