A volcanic island called Santorini or Thira is located in the Aegean Sea. This is the largest island of the Cyclades and also the place of the turbulent and somewhat mysterious past. There used to be a major center of the Minoan culture, however, the volcanic eruption covered the city with ash and the island remained uninhabited for hundreds of years. Some people believe that it the very place where legendary Atlantis was located, according to the legend it disappeared in a volcanic crater. Today Santorini is known for bright buildings, semi-circular roofs as well as doors and window shutters contrasting with the ubiquitous white. Snow-white churches with blue domes are among the most characteristic, however, secular architecture attracts visitors as well. Door and window frames were traditionally painted with ocher to deter insects but contemporary wooden frames have an intense color - mostly red and navy. Domed tops of the buildings still have a practical use as they improve air circulation during hot days.
