Mesariá combines a distinctive village character with specific cultural connections.
Village character and history in Mesariá
Today, the village is characterised by cave houses and imposing mansions. These two building styles give Mesariá a distinctive architectural character. The Argyros Mansion adds a specific architectural history to this picture: it was built in 1888, later restored and converted into a museum. Its construction, restoration and change of use mark different stages in the house’s history.
Two windmills stand in the west of Mesariá. In 1992, they were included on Greece’s permanent list of archaeological sites and monuments as historically protected monuments. Thus, the village’s history also encompasses these windmills and their protected status, alongside the mansions.
Art and wine at MATI Mesaria
MATI Mesaria brings together various art formats: its programme includes group exhibitions and artist residencies, as well as a permanent solo exhibition devoted to the work of Yorgos Kypris. It features local and international artists. While the solo exhibition provides a continuing artistic focus, the group formats and residencies offer a broader programme. Specific exhibitions may change.
In addition, MATI Mesaria offers a two-hour Wine + Art experience featuring a tasting of six wines from the traditional local Hatzidakis winery. The combination of art and wine gives this experience a different focus from an exhibition alone. Check with the venue for current availability.
When choosing a hotel in Mesariá, you might consider whether you want to include architecture, art and regional culture in your trip. Cave houses and mansions shape the village, while MATI Mesaria adds exhibitions and a specific wine experience to this perspective. This helps distinguish the themes associated specifically with Mesariá from experiences across Santorini as a whole.
Santorini in a broader context
Santorini is the southernmost island of the Cyclades. The island group is characterised by a landscape of active volcanoes; Santorini’s caldera was formed by a massive eruption around 1600 BC. This geological context broadens the perspective on Mesariá to include the island as a whole.
Santorini also has distinctive regional culinary specialties. Santorini fava is a PDO product made from the cotyledons of the legume Lathyrus clymenum L., which grows exclusively in the volcanic soil of Thera. The Santorini tomato is also a PDO product and has been cultivated since the early 19th century. The white Santorini eggplant has a sweet aroma and juicy flesh that does not absorb oil when fried. Chloro is a creamy goat’s cheese produced in very limited quantities on Santorini. Local cooks also prepare tomato fritters called Tomatokeftedes with PDO cherry tomatoes.
Hiking trails on Santorini connect Pyrgos with Profitis Ilias, Emporio and Ancient Thera. These named destinations add another focus to the island’s cultural and culinary attractions, without equating Mesariá with a single excursion route.
Discover more destinations: Perissa, Alopronoia, Éxo Goniá, Karterados, Megalochori, Anafi, Karavostásis, Pyrgos.
For the broader travel overview: Santorini.
