Architecture

One of the most striking elements of Pelion culture is the architecture that can be seen in the local mansions and incorporates both traditional rural and urban elements.

Most particularly in Chania the traditional mansions were restored by EOT during the 80’s. Moreover, in Pinakates you can find buildings which represent a second type of classical Pelion architecture, the style found predominantly in northern Greece.

Some of the characteristics of this architecture include the wooden roof verandas and stone structures, roof slabs exclusively from schist, iron-framed windows on the first two floors, colourful false-windows and skylights on the third floor. Inside the houses, with wood featuring everywhere, the dominant place is the guest living room or “mousafir ontas” with its traditional sofas (“menteria”).

There is a third type of Pelion architecture that belongs to the well known neoclassical mansions, with their peculiar architectural style, which was brought back from Egypt by immigrants.