The settlement of Skaros was one of the most important villages in the history of Santorini, since it was its capital until the 18th century. Skaros was the most important of the 5 fortified settlements also known as the Castle. Its special location served to protect the inhabitants from pirates, since it was a natural observatory. The name Imerovigli comes from the words “imera” and vigil. The term vigla, for those who don't know it, comes from the Latin word "vigilare" which is interpreted as a guard. The reason is obviously the view the site offered and its function as a natural observatory as mentioned above.
A major historical event is, of course, the destruction of the greater part of the Imerovigli settlement by the volcanic eruption in 1956, where it was deserted by its inhabitants. Today, Imerovigli has been fully restored and has become one of Santorini's most popular tourist destinations
