Three Bells of Fira


The Three Bells of Fira, officially known as The Catholic Church of the Dormition, is a Greek Catholic church on the island of Santorini. The church is famed for its three bells, blue dome, and picturesque views. The building is located in the town of Fira, directly above the cliffs which dominate western Santorini.

History

The site of the modern Three Bells of Fira has been occupied by a number of other buildings. In the mid-17th century, two modest cave churches were built into the-then solid cliff face. These churches were eventually destroyed as the cliff receded and an infirmary was built. This building was eventually occupied by Jesuit monks, who lived on the site until the land was given to the Bishopric of Santorini. The current church was built in 1757, and them refurbished and expanded multiple times over the centuries. The structure was heavily damaged in the 1956 Amorgos earthquake, after which the building was restored.
The church's feast day is 15 August.