Emporio Village

is built on a plain, and for many years was (as the name indicates) the island's commercial centre, the market-place for all its local produce. To day it is one of the island's biggest villages, with the largest permanent population (many of the seasonal businesses in Perissa are run by people from Emporio), several shops, a medical centre, a newsagent's and a school.

The village of Emporio first appears in history in the Venetian era, and was one of the island's five medieval fortified towns. Today, the only reminders of that period are the ruined Goulas (fortified manor house) at the entrance to the village and the traces of the castle at the heart of the traditional settlement. Inside the castle area, you should certainly have a look at the church of Palia Panagia, the oldest in the village, and famous for the ornately carved wooden dome on its bell-tower (1537 AD).

Outside the village, as you return towards Fira, you will see on your right the church of St Nicholas Marmarites, built of marble from the ruins of the ancient temple of the goddess Vassilia, which originally occupied this site.