villages have no architectural plan, but have been developed according to the local territory

factors that affected Cyclades architecture were climate, water shortage and landscape

often Cycladic villages are built amphitheatrically

particular atmosphere of stone paved little streets

beautiful two-storey houses, superb old mansions and 16th and 17th century churches with ornamental floors are common in the Cyclades

castle-monasteries dominate the Cyclades

dovecotes are usually built in the countryside near cultivated areas, where water is available. they are mainly built on slopes at a certain angle keeping in mind the wind and the surroundings to make the takeoffs and landings easier for the doves

cobbled streets combined with whitewashed facades of different sized cubical-like houses

architectural diversity is present in the Cyclades due to the passage of several civilisations such as the Venetians

the countryside of the Cyclades consists of watermills, windmills, numerous chapels and churches

the white color of the walls serves a natural need, as white reduces sun absorption (i.e. heat) during summer months

whitewashed or stone cubic houses with wooden coloured doors, windows and balconies, often constructed on the edge of cliffs as well

visitors strolling through the traditional Cycladic villages are often given the impression of a labyrinth as a result of the narrow intertwining streets

architecturally interesting constructions are the dovecotes in Tinos and Andros. dovecotes are intricately designed, fortress like stone structures with two levels, the lower one used to store utensils and other items

economical development gave rise to some of the most impressive neoclassical buildings found in Ermoupolis in Syros and Chora in Andros

residences usually had south eastern orientation to attract natural light

simplicity and purity of constructive forms are the main elements of Cycladic architecture

blue domed, whitewashed, asymmetrical churches are typical in the Cyclades. characterised by unique designs, vivid colours and traditional style: a mixture of historical and folklore tradition. Venetian elements are often present

houses in the Cyclades have been built with plain constructive elements in order to cover the main daily needs, but they are considered wonderful works in terms of aesthetics

Greek prime minister Ioannis Metaxas ordered (1936) to paint the Cyclades islands in white and blue colours to symbolize the white wave foams of the Aegean Sea and the blue of the Greek sky

piracy being a problem in the Medieval era, architecture had an evident defensive style. houses were surrounded by strong castle walls and while villages were built in high altitude away from the sea to spot pirate invasions on time

as there was no wood available in the Cyclades islands, beams were rarely taller than 3 metres and most houses had only one floor

dovecotes have influenced Tinos architecture so the extent that even houses are built in the same way today

based on the post-Byzantine styles, austere geometrical character and simple form. churches with different roofs but beautiful decoration are present in many islands. whitewashed churches with unsymmetrical shape, painted vaults and beautiful interiors are typical

cliff-top and castle-towns of medieval years with two-storey Venetian houses, fortresses and other structures of the time, when locals lived in fear of pirates, can be found on various Cycladic islands

cobbled streets and whitewashed facades of different sized houses shining under the Aegean sun compose the typical Cycladic image