The secrets behind the traditional Santorini architecture

With its whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches and cliffside villages, Santorini is a true postcard come to life. But there’s more to this island’s dreamy aesthetic than meets the eye.

In this blog post, we’re pulling back the curtain on the secrets behind Santorini’s architecture, from the practical choices to the symbolic meanings hidden in every curve and splash of color. Let’s explore how form, function and beauty blend so effortlessly on this volcanic gem.

 

 

First things first: Some general information about Santorini architecture

Why are buildings in Santorini white and blue?

The iconic white and blue palette of Santorini’s buildings isn’t just for show. It also serves practical reasons.

• The white comes from a lime-based wash used to reflect the intense sunlight and keep interiors cool during the scorching summer months. It also has mild antibacterial properties, which made it popular for hygiene reasons in old times.

• The blue domes and shutters mirror the deep blue of the Aegean Sea and sky, tying the architecture to its surroundings in a beautiful way.

On top of that, both of them represent the colors of the Greek flag! No wonder they stand as a symbol of the whole country.

 

 

What kind of materials are Santorini buildings made of?

Santorini’s architecture is a perfect example of building with what the land provides. Most homes are constructed using locally sourced volcanic materials, chosen for their affordability and instant availability.

More specifically, residents use:

• Volcanic dust
• Pumice stone
• Red rock
• Black rock

 

 

Santorini architecture history: how did earthquakes, eruptions and invasions shape the building techniques?

Necessity, resilience and ingenuity. These are the 3 words that encapsulate Santorini’s architecture, whose buildings were designed to withstand the unpredictable.

Frequent earthquakes meant that homes had to be low, flexible and structurally sound. This led to the widespread use of domes, barrel vaults and thick walls, which distribute weight evenly and resist seismic shock.

Meanwhile, invasions by Venetians and Ottomans brought new elements: 

• fortified castle-like settlements
• enclosed courtyards
• underground passages
• labyrinthine alleys
• overhead bridges and
• winding staircases… 

…all built to confuse and delay the thieving raids.

 

 

What makes Santorini’s architectural style so unique?

Santorini boasts Cycladic architecture that’s instantly recognizable all over the world. Defined by simplicity and adaptability, it has unique characteristics that make it stand out:

• Whitewashed towns roosted along the caldera or scattered throughout the island
• Cave houses & colorful mansions perched on the caldera rim
• Domed roofs and barrel vaults designed to absorb seismic vibrations
• Minimalist design with subtle decorative touches like wooden doors and stone patios
• Blue-domed churches and white bell towers that punctuate the skyline with grace

Now, let’s have a closer look at each one of the above individually.

 

 

Santorini houses: All the types you can find here

Based on their structure, Santorini houses are categorized into 4 types:

1. Yposkafa: Carved into volcanic rocks by impoverished ship crew members, Santorini cave houses used to be the smallest ones on the island. Now, many of them have been transformed into luxurious accommodations with modern interiors.

2. Captain’s mansions: Built in the late 19th century by wealthy sea captains and merchants, these neoclassical homes stand out in villages like Oia. They usually feature two stories, colorful facades and astonishing caldera vistas.

3. Urban houses: Found close to one another in the island’s larger towns, they blend Cycladic and neoclassical influences, often with arched doorways and small balconies.

4. Farmer’s homes: Located in the countryside, they possess a courtyard, storage areas for tools and produce, a stone oven and a barn. Most of them also have an underground canava (winery).

 

 

An overview of the signature Santorini villages

While each has its own character, they share common features, including whitewashed homes, narrow alleyways and historic churches. 

But let’s see what also differentiates them:

• Oia: Although Oia doesn’t need much of an introduction, it’s famous for its blue-domed churches, sunset-facing luxury hotels and mansions cascading down the caldera cliffs.

• Fira: The bustling capital features multi-level buildings, cobblestone streets and a mix of Cycladic and Venetian architectural styles.

• Megalochori: A picturesque gem with traditional cave houses, neoclassical mansions and winding streets adorned with bougainvillea-covered facades.

• Pyrgos: A hillside village with a well-preserved Venetian castle, labyrinthine alleyways, numerous historic churches and Cycladic houses.

• Emporio: The island’s largest town boasts a medieval castle that’s still inhabited, imposing windmills, several noteworthy churches and a watchtower.

• Imerovigli: A peaceful village with caldera-edge accommodations, hidden courtyards and blue-domed churches seemingly suspended above the sea.

 

 

The emblematic Santorini churches and monasteries

No matter where you stand on the island, a chapel or church is almost always within view, perched on a cliff, nestled in an alley, or resting in the heart of a charming village.

Built with the same volcanic materials as the island’s homes, most churches follow the Cycladic style: whitewashed edifices, arches, domes reaching toward the sky and elaborate bell towers.

However, contrary to common belief, not all of Santorini churches are blue-domed. There are some that feature simpler silhouettes and neutral hues.

 

 

Medieval Santorini castles and impressive windmills

There was no chance we’d write an article about Santorini’s architecture and not mention the imprint it carries from the Venetian rule!

Scattered across the island are 5 Kastelia, aka fortified settlements built to protect locals from pirate raids during the Middle Ages. Although mainly ruins are left from Oia’s and Skaros Rock’s castles, Pyrgos, Emporio and Akrotiri still preserve parts of them you can visit!

 

 

Finally, another signature characteristic of the island are the windmills, which you can find in Oia, Emporio and Akrotiri. Whitewashed with a conical roof, they serve as a reminder of Santorini’s rich agricultural heritage.

 

 

A few final words before you head out to explore

Santorini’s architecture wasn’t designed to impress. It was built to endure. What makes it special is the way beauty came from constraint: homes carved into rock, whitewashed buildings to keep interiors cool and tunnel-like passageways to give invaders a hard time.

If you want to go beyond the view and understand what you’re really looking at, join us on a First Impressions Santorini day tour. We’ll guide you through the villages, landmarks and quaint corners all while sharing the stories behind them.

 

 

FAQs about Santorini architecture

What is the architecture of Oia Santorini?

The village of Oia has several blue-domed churches, cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings and cave houses roosted high above the volcanic caldera.

 

What is Santorini famous for?

Santorini is famous for its:

• volcanic caldera
• Cycladic architecture
• dramatic sunsets
• otherworldly landscapes
• multicolored beaches
• delicious wines