The site of the modern Three Bells of Fira has been occupied by a number of other buildings . In the mid-17th century , two modest cave churches were built into the-then solid cliff face . These churches were eventually destroyed as the cliff receded ( due to the ongoing expansion of Fira ) and a infirmary was built . This building was eventually occupied by Jesuit monks , who lived on the site until the land was given to the Bishopric of Santorini . The current church was built in 1757 , and them refurbished and expanded multiple times over the centuries . The structure was heavily damaged in the 1956 Amorgos earthquake , after which the building was restored
1956 Amorgos earthquake
1956 Amorgos earthquake
Three Bells of Fira