Argyros Mansion

"The most distinctive mansion in Santorini and the only one visited today, a neoclassical 19th century house. The village of Messaria had its heyday in the 19th century, when it became the center of industrial development on the island thanks to factories such as the Markezinis Knitting Factory. Other typical examples of Santorini mansions, which have not been restored, are the Saliveros mansion (1893) and the Markezinis mansion. The Argyros mansion was built in 1888 by Santorini craftsmen and was the main residence of the family of Georgios Argyros, who was active in the sectors of farming, winemaking, and wine trading. The great earthquake of 1956 caused significant damage to the house, which remained uninhabited for 35 years. It was listed as a historical site in 1985 by the then Minister of Culture Melina Mercouri, who called it a ""remarkable example of the architecture of its era."" Restoration work began in 1987 and was completed in 1994."