Cultural Corridors of South East Europe

South East Europe / Western Trans-Balkan Road

Anafiotika

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Anafiotika

About the site


Corridor: Western Trans-Balkan Road
Country: Greece, Athens
Type: Vernacular Architecture
Epoch: Modern Times
Theme: Vernacular Architecture
World Heritage:
Modern TimesVernacular ArchitectureVernacular Architecture

The settlement of Anafiotika was created in the 19th century by migrants (craftsmen) from the Cycladic island of Anafi. They built their houses on the steep slopes of the Acropolis in their traditional island style. Thus, they created a small village with white-washed houses and narrow paths between them. The village comes complete with a tiny church dedicated to St George. A closer look will reveal that the marble used for the construction of the church was taken from an ancient temple.
Anafiotika is a set of small houses that conform to the Cycladic vernacular form of architecture, built in close proximity to the archaeological site of the Parthenon and thus treated by the state as an illegal settlement. Today Anafiotika is protected by the law as a valuable urban zone.

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