CHÂTEAU AGIOS NIKOLAOS
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In ruins, but Santorini's most popular spot for sunset views, with a perfect south-westerly orientation.
This castle (Καστέλι Αγίου Νικολάου/Kasteli Agiou Nikolaou) is in ruins, but it's Santorini's most popular spot for sunset viewing with a perfect south-westerly orientation. Also known as the citadel of Apano Meria ("upper part", Oia's former name), it was built by the Venetians in the 15th century. First mentioned in 1480, it was part of a vast network of kastelia across the islands of the Duchy of Naxos to counter pirates. It takes its name from a troglodyte church founded around 1450 and dedicated to Saint Nicholas. Set on a ledge some 70 m long, it also housed the churches of Panagia Platsani and Agios Georgios. Almost everything was destroyed in the 1956 earthquake, the epicenter of which was located in Amorgos. What remains are sections of the volcanic stone fortifications, the walls of the Agios Georgios church and part of the watchtower: the goula (a term derived from the Turkish kule meaning "tower"). It is around the goula and a new Agios Nikolaos chapel that tourists flock to watch the horizon swallow up the last rays, with the island of Thirassia to the west and the white houses and mills on the spot turning a beautiful shade of orange. In summer, the crowds are so dense that you'll have to come well in advance to get a seat in the ruins or in the panoramic bars. You can also take the stairs down to the small port of Amoudi. But the western orientation is less ideal.
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