Vlychada

The coastal road leads southwest to Peri­volos and the harbour at Vlychada (13km). The latter probably occupies the site of the southern outport of Ancient Thera during its final, Hellenistic phase (the port referred to by Claudius Ptolemy as Eleusis). An earthquake in 1570 has radically altered the coastline at this point, and it is not certain where the main settlement of Eleusis was situated. Its cemetery, however, has left many remains which can be seen to the north of the road between Peri­volos and Vlychada, in the rock of the cliff, always at a height of about three metres. Beginning at Peri­volos and heading west, you encounter a series of rock-cut tombs, generally with steps below and pediments above, some framing conches and with decorated architectural elements. Leaving the road, for the track which hugs the foot of the bluff, you come to an isolated house, opposite which are several remains, including a couple of stepped platforms and sarcophagi carved out of the living rock and carefully shaped for the fitting of a lid. To the west of these, a path leads up through fallen masonry, towards a large monumental tomb above, with finely dressed, ashlar walls in two colours, framing the floor, threshold and steps, and a chamber beneath with a small entrance. These funerary monuments, some of distinction, probably date from the 2nd and 1st centuries bc, suggesting, in combination with the other remains in the area, that Eleusis prospered from the 3rd century bc, through into Early Christian times.
   Until recently there were thermal springs at Vlychada: the small barrel-vaulted bath-chamber can still be seen by the road to the west of the harbour.

Santorini Island is part of the Cyclades Island Group, Greece.

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