Architecture
The architecture of Kea is a faithful testimony of the old Cycladic style. The main features of this type of architecture are the construction materials as well as the shape of the houses, since they were adapted in order to resist the strong winds. Therefore, they were given flat roofs and cubic shapes, the typical Cycladic elements in terms of architecture. The fact of being placed very close to one another and being distributed along small narrow streets has also been used as a protection from the strong winds; and also reflects the vibe of the ancient times, when the threat of pirates influenced many aspects of the inhabitants’ life.
In our days, there are paths extending from one island end to the other, which used to be part of the ancient road network.
The white colour the houses are painted as well as the thick stone walls on the main chamber of the house, with a roof made of a single piece of slate with a thick layer of earth above are also very typical of Cyclades and help cool the temperatures during summer while keeping out the northern winds maintaining the warmth inside.
The traditional Cycladic architecture can be found in many villages on Kea. However, the capital Ioulida (or Chora) also counts on some picturesque buildings that reflect the Cycladic vibe; there are plenty of red-tiledroofs all along down the side of the hill, as it is placed on an arch-shaped fold.
Apart from this picturesque detail on the roofs, this area also counts on some great exponents, such as the Kastro, a Venetian fortress, as well as the remains of an ancient temple dedicated to Apollo.
Another architectural exponent worth to be seen is the Hellenisitc watchtower of Agia Marina, rising from the grounds of a 19th century monastery, and a Medieval castle.
Kea also counts on some works that may fit into the architectural category, like the Lion of Kea, 15 minutes northeast of Chora. This the 6th century BC sculpture is a carved out living rock counting on an imposing size of 6m long and 3m high.
In Vourkari, there is also a Pre-historic site called ‘Agia Irini’, made of the ruins of several ancient structures.
Something similar occurs on Korissia, as it counts on an Archaic settlement with remains
of houses and temples, known as the ‘Ancient Site of Korissos’.
Fortunately, many of the available hotels on this island have respected its traditional vibe in these terms, offering simple decorations on wooden trimmings that also match the surrounding areas.
The materials are in many cases also taken into account, since many hotels usually include tiles and care for the general look and the colour of the building in order to avoid destroying the beautiful natural scenery of the island.