The Akrotiri archaeological site on the island of Santorini is reopening today, after extensive restoration works which lasted almost 7 years. Ancient Akrotiri was one of the most prominent prehistoric settlements in the Aegean situated in the south coast of the island. The first recorded habitation dates back to the Late Neolithic period but it was during the Early Bronze Age that a substantial settlement was founded -which eventually became one of the main urban hubs of the Aegean.

The settlement is huge -approximately 20 hectares- and the state-of-art drainage system, the sophisticated multi-storied buildings with the splendid wall frescoes typical of Minoan art, along with imported furniture and pots, attest to a flourishing and prosperous civilization with an extensive network of external trade relations.

In the last quarter of the 17th century BC residents were forced to evacuate the settlement due to a major earthquake, which caused the Santorini volcano to erupt. Volcanic lava covered the entire island and the Akrotiri town, preserving to perfection buildings, vessels, artifacts, hence the rightful nickname "Minoan Pompeii."

In the following two centuries, Akrotiri was covered with volcanic ashes and it wasn’t until 1967 that Professor Marinatos started excavating the site; after his demise, Professor Doumas continued the arduous work abruptly interrupted by the collapse of the steel protective roof in 2005. Ancient Akrotiri -characteristic example of urban life in the Minoan era- is estimated to have housed thousands of inhabitants -the 40 buildings uncovered so far account for only 1/30th of the actual city which still remains buried.

Visitors will now have the unique chance to admire various two and three storey edifices with famous frescoes, such as the Saffron Gatherers in the Xeste 3 ritual building, or the West House, home to the fresco of the Young Priestess and the famous Flotilla miniature frieze.

Due to volcanic ash, everything is so well preserved that guests still feel that a Santorinian beauty might walk out of the House of Ladies for a morning stroll in the main street, before heading to the triangular piazza and admire the view of her home town!