Tinos Architecture

Tinos, the island of art, is home to numerous architectural and artistic treasures which make it a living museum. The abundance of natural materials like marble and rare rocks has influenced the architecture of Tinos and the artistic inclination of the locals in the construction and restoration of many houses. The art of marble-carving flourished greatly on the island during the 19th century and genuine examples of this practice can be seen in many buildings, fountains, churches, and cemeteries.

The original Cycladic architecture is apparent in its many picturesque villages, including Pyrgos and Kardiani, as well as in the capital, the scenic Tinos Town. There, visitors can witness whitewashed houses lining rustic streets, narrow alleys, lovely squares, and beautiful churches. Perhaps the most unique aspect of Tinos is the lack of fortifications. Even though the Venetians occupied the island for many centuries, Tinos remained authentically Greek, with only a few exceptions.

The Tinian houses are a characteristic sample of traditional architecture, standing out for their simplicity and functionality. Small in size and with a few windows, Tinos' houses are painted in total white and blue according to the Cycladic style. They typically consist of two floors connected by an outdoor staircase. The ground floor housed the winepress, warehouse, oven, or stable, while the first floor had a fireplace, bedrooms, and a kitchen. A stone-paved courtyard lies in front of the house, adorned with colorful flowers and marble tables.

Most of the island's traditional settlements were founded in the 17th century. Their architecture was greatly affected by pirate invasions which forced the locals to abandon their houses in the countryside and move within the town. A major reason why the houses stood very close to one another was to create a fortified wall to protect their territory from oncoming attacks. They also protected the settlements from the strong northern winds. Today, many of these villages have remained unchanged, offering visitors a unique look into the local history.

Tinos has been a major religious center since antiquity, with an abundance of churches spread out on the island. With more than a thousand Orthodox and Catholic churches, Tinos plays an important role in the ecclesiastical architecture of Greece. Using fine materials like marble and stone, local craftsmen created some wonderful artistic works in the town, the villages, and the peaceful countryside. Many of them were built during the Byzantine years and can still be seen in their original form. The most important is the Church of Panagia Evangelistria, located on a hill above the capital.

The villages and green valleys of Tinos are surrounded by the marvelous dovecotes, where pigeons find refuge. They were built during the 18th and 19th centuries and their richly decorated facades look like fine embroideries if they are seen from a distance. Today, they are considered the trademark of Tinos along with the old-style windmills. These windmills were first constructed during the Venetian rule of the island and led to the flourishing of wheat farming. They usually boasted a circular shape, three separate levels, and impressive mechanisms. Today, most of them lie in ruins.

Visitors can enjoy their stay in many of the hotels found throughout the island that have respected the traditional Cycladic architecture.