Fira is the capital of the island and the most important village.  In the begging of the 19th century, the capitol of the island was moved from Pyrgos to Fira.  After the 1956s earthquake, a part of the town was destroyed and hopelly some of the 18th century buildings were saved.  Fira is perched on the adge of an impressive cliff of 260m high and offers a great panorama over the submerged volcano.  It is made of many white painted houses in steppedstreets with blue domed churches and sun-bathed verandas.  Plateia Theotokopoulou (Theotokopoulou Square) is the main square of Fira and it is where all the young people meet.  The small streets , during peak season period, crowed and filled with all kind of shops, jewelleries, cafe, restaurants, bars and night clubs. The main road, 25 Martiou (25th March), intersecting the square nad is lined with travel agencies.  The bus and the taxi station are located at the begining of the road also.  Erythrou Stavrou, one block west of 25 Martiou, is the main commercial thoroughfare.  Another block west, Ypapantis runs along the crest of the caldera and provides some staggering panoramic views.