Place Theotokopoulos

Here you are in Theotokopoulos Square, the true heart of Fira. This is where all the streets converge, where travelers meet up, and where the life of Santorini’s capital beats strongest. Around you, white façades, lively terraces, souvenir shops, and small craft stalls capture the essence of Greece’s warm, vibrant atmosphere.

The square is named after Domínikos Theotokópoulos, better known as El Greco. Born in Crete in the 16th century, he was a painter, sculptor, and architect. After settling in Spain, he developed a unique style, recognizable for its elongated figures and intense colors, which earned him a place among the great masters of European art.

At the center, you’ll notice a somewhat unexpected statue: a donkey, affectionately nicknamed Marcos. It pays tribute to the donkeys of Santorini, once essential for carrying goods and travelers along the island’s steep paths. Today, it’s mostly a fun spot for photos, but it also holds symbolic value, a reminder of an older way of life. Theotokopoulos Square is more than just a crossroads.

After the devastating earthquake of 1956, it became a gathering place for locals, an open space where people found shelter among the ruins and helped one another. Ever since, it has remained the beating heart of Fira, day and night. As evening falls, the atmosphere transforms: music drifts through the air, the lights of the buildings shimmer on the black paving stones, and the square takes on a nearly magical glow.

With its history and lively spirit, Theotokopoulos Square perfectly embodies the essence of Fira—a place where past and present meet, and where visitors can feel the full energy of Santorini.