The old rural houses combine a
flat roof with ceramic tiles, or
have only a simple tiled roof.
Aesthetic and functional harmonies always coexist in this type of architecture, creating
some of the most authentic examples of vernacular architecture of Andros.
The well preserved tower houses of Andros were built as a protection against the great weathering threat.
Massive, plain and of a three-storey structures of the fortress type, those tower houses were protecting the inhabitants against the strong winds and the pirate raids. Such a tower that cab still be seen is the Hellenistic tower of Agios Petros. |
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They belonged to the wealthiest part of the population, and were built in the best district of Chora.
In the last category of architectural style of houses, we can find the houses
built in newer towns like Gavrio, Batsi and Korthi Bay, dating from the period after the liberation from the Ottoman domination.
Since during this period the inhabitants felt secure enough, they went to settle in coastal locations.
The houses are square, with a terracotta tile roof and large windows overlooking the sea.
Walls, door and window frames are painted in various colours, giving to Andros a unique and attractive architectural style.
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Lovely groups of mills can befound
everywhere in the island, adding
to it a special atmosphere.
Those watermills are of Greek type, with a horizontal wheel and a narrow, square tower rising over a main building divided into two levels.
Most of the dovecotes in Andros
are located in the Korthi region.
They are built of thin pieces of slate and geometric shapes decorating the building, forming triangles, squares, diamonds and circles.
Little columns at the corner of the roof emphasize the metaphysical nature of the structure.
All those beautiful dovecotes are traditionally whitewashed.
Fountains and springs are a great craft of harmony between aesthetic and functionality.
Made of stone structures, in various forms and dimensions, they can be found everywhere in Andros and participate immensely to the beauty of the island. |
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