The Hidden Gem of Santorini

Santorini needs little introduction as far as Greek Islands go. Everyone has their list

of top five or twenty things to do or see on the island, but as a producer, I look at a destination differently. My focus is on peeling back the layers, kind of like peeling an onion.

I try to uncover a unique way of looking at that destination and telling its story through that perspective.

You can often grasp the soul of a place when you meet the artists who call it "home".

That was the case when I met the “painter of Santorini”, Christoforos Asimis. I soon realized that Christoforos is so much more than a painter, he is one of the island’s brightest jewels. If you have ever been to Santorini or have seen pictures of its white-washed, cliff-side buildings, you quickly admire what appears to be their clean, stark-white color. But through Christoforos’ style of abstract paintings using natural light and landscapes, he taught me to look deeper, to see the many shades and shadows of white that he captures on canvas.

If you were to meet this talented artist, he may tell you that his true life’s work can be found in Santorini’s Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral, which sits prominently on the caldera edge in the town of Fira. For more than 7 years, Christoforos dedicated his life to transforming the all-white colored cathedral interior into a masterpiece alive with brilliant hues and 24k gold leaf frescoes in the Byzantine-style of art. Covering every inch of the domed cathedral ceiling and cascading down its walls, the series of exquisite frescoes collectively create a master work that not only mesmerizes but inspires.

If you’re lucky enough to visit the magical island of Santorini, take a few minutes to seek out the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral and step inside to immerse yourself in the color, beauty, and peacefulness of this artist’s labor of love knowing that you are experiencing the work of a modern-day Michelangelo.

Travel Tips –

• ·Visit the AK Art Gallery in Fira, the oldest gallery on the island of Santorini, founded in 1980 by artist Christoforos Asimis and sculptor Eleni Kolaitou. It is steps from the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral.

• To see more of Christoforos Asimis’ work, check out - http://www.ak-galleries.com/exhibitions/christoforos-asimis-santorini-paintings

• Santorini’s Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral is located at the center of Fira, just a 3-minute walk from the Central bus station.

• The Cathedral is free to enter, but offerings are welcome. Please dress modestly.