It mainly had to do with construction reasons. Domes in general are one of the first structural forms humans worked with in stone architecture. Spherical domes are used in Greece from appx. 5,800 BC.
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It mainly had to do with construction reasons. Domes in general are one of the first structural forms humans worked with in stone architecture. Spherical domes are used in Greece from appx. 5,800 BC.
It mainly had to do with construction reasons. Domes in general are one of the first structural forms humans worked with in stone architecture. Spherical domes are used in Greece from appx. 5,800 BC.
The Greeks improved on this roofing system as time went on. Eventually, they discovered that the flat tiles were more effective when curved upwards slightly on the edges beneath the tegula or curved tile. These raised ends prevented water from seeping beneath the tegula tiles.
The whitewashed walls and the blue domes represent the colors of the Greek flag. But Santorini buildings weren't always colored like that. During the Greek junta from 1967 to 1974, the right-wing military regime imposed that all buildings be painted white and blue to inspire patriotism and attract more tourists.
The solution was to paint their houses light-colored by using whitewash which they made by mixing lime, water, and sea salt. As white color is a reflector of heat it worked perfectly to preserve the freshness and coolness of Greek homes.
The houses of Santorini are categorized by their structure and style. According to their structure there are three types; the common cave houses, called yposkafa, which are dug entirely into the volcanic rock, houses partially dug into the rock with exterior additions and regular residences constructed on the ground.
In the late 1930s, Greece was suffering from a cholera epidemic, and the nation's leader at the time, Ioannis Metaxas, ordered all Greek citizens to whitewash their houses. The whitewash used to paint the outside of citizens' homes contained limestone, which happens to be a potent disinfectant.
On the practical side, curved roofs solve the one persistent problem flat roofs have: lack of water shedding. Due to the natural curve of the roof, water and snow are easily shed from the surface. This prevents stagnating pools of water on the surface of the roof.
This island of black rock owes its unique, dramatic landscape to volcanic eruptions. A volcano, still active, stands at the center of a ring of islands, Santorini the longest. In between them is a vast, deep caldera, filled with water, surrounded by the islands' cliffs, volcanic rock, and black and red sand beaches.
It was created by one of the largest known eruptions around 3,600 years ago. The explosion was so powerful that it wrecked Santorini's ancient city of Akrotiri and dealt a fatal blow to the seafaring Minoan civilization, which had settled on the island at the time.
Its wild volcanic landscape, rugged cliffs, wild nature, and beautiful shores, combined with its rich history and traditions, make the island the gem of Greece. Santorini got its current half-moon shape around 1,650 BC after a huge volcanic eruption.
The widespread use also emanates from an ancient belief that the sky blue shade of turquoise has the power to keep evil away. It is believed that the radiation of the colour composes an invisible shield which prevents the approach of bad spirits.
The traditional two-story dwelling is an ingenious construction, striking the perfect balance between form and function. The towns of Nisyros typify Greek Aegean settlements, with houses clustered close to each other for shade and protection from the strong Aegean winds.
You will meet a lot of locals and you will understand what really means living in Santorini. Yes, another sad news! Life on Santorini is not cheap, also for locals!
Whether you opt for a delicate lace gown or a bohemian-inspired dress, white will always create a sense of timeless beauty against the island's idyllic scenery. Soft Pastels: Serenity in Hues Pastel shades like blush pink, baby blue, and mint green are perfect for those seeking a softer, romantic look.
Every year before Easter, Santorini residents refresh the paint on their houses to get this clean look that you often see on the pictures from the Cyclades Islands. Houses in this part of Greece are traditionally covered with hydrated lime and water.