SANTORINI > ARCHITECTURE

The traditional architecture of Santorini exploits the particular topographic and constructional conditions of the island in order to create buildings allowing for an extraordinary freedom of expression. The terrain tolerates buildings underground leaving the land above it for agricultural use, buildings hanging over the caldera, buildings so narrow that it is difficult to see where one ends and its neighbour begins.

The basic characteristic of the architecture of Santorini is the strict limit of size, thick walls with small openings and the whiteness that encompasses almost everything. The island relationship with the sea is reflected in the building style. The unique ergonomic scale is similar to that applied to the caiques by the sea captains of the island: low doors, narrow steep steps, microscopic interior and exterior areas. Further to the functionality of the houses that is dictated by need rather than choice, their daily activities have led to the creation of various types of houses on Santorini.