Architecture
The architecture of Tinos, the island of art, is a hymn to folk art, tradition, and to the quest for extreme beauty, functionality, and perfection.
The abundance of suitable materials (white and green marble, slate, granite, etc…) and the amazing beauty of the sunsets and sunrises combined with fine architecture give to Tinos a particular atmosphere and the feeling of being in a painting, surrounded by extreme purity and beauty.
Visitors can see the influence of the Venetians, the island’s Catholic and Orthodox past and present and understand the artistic value of the artists of Tinos, while admiring the island’s architecture.
The architectural and artistic treasures of Tinos make it similar to a huge enormous museum of folk art, which keeps the traditions, the culture and art alive.
The traditional house of Tinos constitutes a great example of folk art. It is simple and practical at the same time, with very simple lines, having for main decoration a semi-circular arch, called “volto” which is placed midway between first and ground floor.
The windows and doors are painted in colours such as marine blue or green and the outside door is decorated with marble fanlights.
The whole house is whitewashed or painted in white ( it is the case of newer buildings) and some decorations made of slate usually adorn the upper part of the exterior walls as well as the little arcades above the windows.
The ecclesiastical architecture in Tinos is a mixture of Eastern and Western techniques that creates unique pieces of art.
The bell-towers of the churches of the island are particularly impressive: some are incredibly simple with spare lines whereas some other have complex ornaments.
All those white churches embellish t he island like little jewels glimmering under the sun.
Marble-carving is another characteristic of Tinos, where many artists have learned this amazing art.