Santorini, Greece Architecture Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Santorini, Greece Architecture - Research Paper Example This volcanic eruption destroyed the center of the island, causing it to sink and to create today’s caldera. The caldera is circular in shape and it is entirely filled with water. In fact, it is the only sunken caldera in the world. The inner coast around the caldera is a precipice of nearly 300-meter drop; it has many layers of solidified layers of lava on top of each other. The outer beaches are very smooth and shallow. Sand color of beaches is different depending upon which geographic layer is exposed; it could be white, red, grey or black sand. The climate of Santorini is affected by its volcanic location. It is generally fair with pleasant temperature throughout the year. The summers are marked by drought. The temperature in the summer months e.g. July and August range from 30 -32 degrees centigrade during the day to 20- 23 degrees at night. Spring and autumn are perfect. The winters are generally humid with mild temperatures. Rain is almost nonexistent, but some showers are expected at the end of April and September. Snow is also very rare. The climate in the Santorini is also affected by the winds rushing in the region. The ‘meltimi’ wind is present in July-August while ‘sirocco’ wind blows here in the spring. The history of Santorini is closely linked with the geophysical characteristics of the region. Santorini and its caldera have been formed due to volcanic activity in the area. Santorini volcano has played an important role in the existence of an island from the prehistoric times to the present date. The island was named Callisto, strongly and Thera before it became Santorini. The name "Santorini" derives from the Crusaders who in their way stood for rest near the Church of St. Irene, so they called the island Santa Irene (Santorini). According to the known Santorini history, its first inhabitants were the pre-Hellenistic in the Bronze Age. After the Phoenicians, Dorians and the Minoans followed.  Ã‚