Quick facts
Location: on the caldera rim between Fira and Firostefani, despite the name most commonly associated with Fira.
Official name: the Catholic Church of the Dormition (Koimisi tis Theotokou), an Eastern Catholic Byzantine rite church.
Built: the current structure dates from 1757, on the site of earlier cave churches carved into the cliff in the mid 17th century.
Known for: its blue dome, whitewashed walls and triple bell tower, framed against the caldera, one of the most photographed churches anywhere in the Cyclades.
Why visit
The Three Bells earns its reputation honestly, a small, simple Cycladic church that happens to sit in one of the best photographic spots on the whole island, blue dome and 3 bells silhouetted against the caldera and, at the right time of day, a dramatic sunset behind it. It takes only a few minutes to see, but it is worth timing carefully rather than just passing through.
History
The site’s religious use goes back to the mid seventeenth century, when 2 small churches were carved directly into the caldera cliff face. As Fira’s clifftop expanded and eroded over time, those original cave churches were lost, and the site was rebuilt as an infirmary, later acquired by Jesuit priests. The church seen today was built in 1757, and has been expanded and refurbished several times since, including after suffering serious damage in the major 1956 Amorgos earthquake, which caused widespread destruction across Santorini and required extensive restoration across the island. The church celebrates its feast day, the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, on 15 August each year.
Architecture
The building follows classic Cycladic form, whitewashed walls, sharp clean lines and a blue dome, but it is the bell tower, topped with its 3 large bells, that gives the church its popular name and its distinctive silhouette against the sky and sea beyond.
Getting there
The church sits on the caldera path between Fira and Firostefani, an easy walk from either village along the clifftop route that connects Santorini’s western settlements. See getting around Santorini, Santorini taxi and the Santorini bus timetable for wider routes, and how to get to Santorini for ferry and flight connections onto the island.
Map
Visiting tips
Go for sunset, but arrive early. This is one of the most popular photo spots on the island at golden hour, so claiming a good vantage point well before the sun starts to drop makes a real difference.
Consider the morning too. With far fewer visitors around and softer light, an early morning visit gives a quieter, arguably more relaxed alternative to the sunset crowds.
Walk the caldera path. Rather than driving directly to the church, walking the clifftop route from Fira or Firostefani takes in some of Santorini’s best views along the way, not just at the church itself.
Check current drone rules before you fly. Greece follows the EU’s common drone regulations, which generally require operator registration for anything over 250 grams, and there are no fly zones around religious sites such as this one. Rules can change, so check the current requirements from Greece’s Civil Aviation Authority before your trip.
Explore more of Santorini
Fira, Santorini Town · Firostefani · Akrotiri · Getting around Santorini · How to get to Santorini · Santorini map · Santorini weather · Santorini photography guide
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