Cycladic Architecture

Information about the Architecture of Cyclades islands, in Greece but also information about architecture in many islands of the group: The islands of Cyclades in Greece surprise every visitor with the unique Cycladic architecture which has become famous beyond the Greek borders. It is definitely the ambassador of Greece architecture. Uncountable settlements of incredible beauty and architectural interest are based on the simplicity and the purity of constructive forms which are spread in every island from the smallest to the largest.

About the Cycladic architecture

You can see some samples of the Cycladic architecture in the following Cycladic villages: Chora of Amorgos, Chora of Anafi, Antiparos Chora, Chora of Folegandros, Chora of Ios, Chorio in Kimolos, Chora of Koufonisia, Chora of Mykonos, Naoussa in Paros, Oia in Santorini, Kastro in Sifnos and more villages.

Many settlements in the Cyclades are characterized by their rich diversity inspired by the several civilizations who were attracted by the island of Cyclades.
The Venetians who inspired many Cycladic islands like Tinos, Naxos, Sifnos, Milos, Kimolos, and Sikinos have created beautiful castle-towns that belong to the flourishing medieval years, at a time where the locals lived in fear, from the pirates' invasions. There you will see the typical two-storey Venetian houses built one next to the other, fortresses and other medieval structures. A beautiful and worldwide famous sample is Little Venice in Mykonos.
One of the best examples of the Venetian influence in Cycladic architecture is the Kastro of Naxos island. Visitors strolling through the traditional Cycladic villages are often given the impression of a labyrinth. The numerous cobbled streets with the whitewashed facades and the different sized houses shining under the Aegean sun, compose unique images. Two islands that distinguish for their architecture in the Cyclades are the ones of Syros and Andros where the economic development gave rise to some of the most impressive neoclassical buildings: Ermoupolis in Syros island and Chora in Andros.

Along the lovely countryside of Cyclades are many watermills, windmills, numerous chapels and churches and the farmhouses which are mostly seen in the islands of Anafi island, Mykonos, Sifnos, and Folegandros. Also, beautiful castle-monasteries dominate these peaceful Greek islands. Of high architectural interest are the dovecotes in Tinos and Andros with the lovely decorated details.

The Cyclades have also some samples of Bronze age period: Akrotiri Minoan site in Santorini island but also Classical period architecture: Milos Ancient Theatre, Delos island, Portara of Naxos, Temple of Demeter in Naxos and more.

The Greek architecture of the islands is also characterized by the beautiful churches which are everywhere: Panagia Paraportiani in Mykonos, Drosiani in Naxos, Panagia Ekantontapiliani in Paros and more.

Read also in our blog: Cyclades architecture: what makes it so special?