Fira is the picturesque capital of Santorini, 9 klms far from Akrotiri village which is not only a beautiful village but a hectic tourist centre as well, with an abundance of hotels, bars and clubs, taverns and restaurants, shops and travel agencies. Of typical Cycladic architecture, mixed with Venetian influences, the most famous town of the island offers almost everything visitors many need. After a major earthquake in 1956, part of the town was destroyed, however some of the 18th century buildings were saved. In fact many of these, once humble dwellings, have nowadays turned into bars, restaurants or studios to rent.. The Archaelogical Museum hosts impressive findings from the excavations in Akrotiri and Ancient Thera, dating from the Minoan period through the Byzantine years. The Ghyzis Palace is the town's cultural museum, accommodated in a 17th-century mansion, and boasts a collection of modern paintings, engravings and old maps. Plateia Theotokopoulou is the central square and meeting point for tourists and locals. The Orthodox cathedral of Panayia Ypapantis in the Southern part of Fira is the town's landmark.