Fira Φηρά | |
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  Fira | |
| Coordinates:36°25.2′N25°25.9′E / 36.4200°N 25.4317°E /36.4200; 25.4317 | |
| Country | Greece |
| Administrative region | South Aegean |
| Regional unit | Thira |
| Municipality | Thira |
| Municipal unit | Thira |
| Population (2021)[1] | |
• Community | 1,516 |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (EET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+3 (EEST) |
Firá (Greek:Φηρά, pronounced[fiˈra], official name Φηρά Θήρας -Firá Thíras) is the modern capital of theGreekAegean island ofSantorini (Thera).[2] A traditional settlement,[3] "Firá" derives its name from an alternative pronunciation of "Thíra", the ancient name of the island itself.
Fira is a city of whitewashed houses built on the edge of the 400 metres (1,312 feet) highcaldera on the western edge of the semi-circular island of Thera. The two main museums of interest are theArchaeological Museum of Thera, 30 metres (98 feet) east of the cable car entrance, and theMuseum of Prehistoric Thera at the southeast corner of the WhiteOrthodox Cathedral of Ypapanti([it]), built on the site of an earlier church destroyed in the1956 Amorgos earthquake. The town also hosts a number of churches, including theCathedral of Ypapanti and theThree Bells of Fira.
Access to Fira is mainly by roads on its eastern side, climbing from its port via the zigzag footpath on foot or on donkeys, or by riding the steepcable car from its lower terminal by the port. The central square of Fira is calledPlateia Theotokopoulou, with a bus and taxi station, banks, and pharmacies.
From Fira there is a panoramic view of the 18 kilometres (11 miles) longcaldera from southern Cape Akrotiri to northern Cape Ag. Nikolaos, plus the volcanic islandNea Kameni at the center with Thirassia Island. Largecruise ships anchor in the small harbor betweenNea Kameni and Fira.
Fira travel guide from Wikivoyage| International | |
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