The Architecture of Pelion

Beyond its enchanting nature, the second main attraction for visitors to Pelion is its renowned architecture. Rooted in stone and wood, it bears many characteristics typical of Northern Greece, as the first builders—who later taught the craft to the locals—came from the villages of Zoupani (now called Pentalofos) in Western Macedonia and Pyrsoyianni in Epirus.

Beyond its enchanting nature, the second major draw for visitors to Pelion is its renowned architecture. It is based on stone and wood and displays many Northern Greek characteristics, as the first builders—who later taught the craft to the locals—came from the villages of Zoupani (now Pentalofos) in Western Macedonia and Pyrsoyianni in Epirus.

Distinctive features of Pelion architecture include tall and sturdy stone walls, wooden elements (such as doors, windows, and also “chatilia,” which are timber ties between the stones), and scale-like roofs made of slate. The mansions are often surrounded by charming courtyards and smaller auxiliary buildings like a traditional oven, a caretaker’s house, and a stable.

The Three Periods

Pelion’s architecture is divided into three main periods: the early period (17^th century – mid-18^th century), the classical period (1750–1850), and the late period (mid-19^th century – early 20^th century). The early period includes some very distinctive tower-houses with a clearly defensive character. Most of the traditional buildings in Pelion that have survived to this day belong to the second period, the classical one, which reflects the region’s economic prosperity. Houses become larger and are typically three-storeyed, with more spacious and luxurious interiors. The third period includes the so-called “Egyptiot” houses, built by Pelion natives who had migrated to Egypt, become wealthy there, and returned to their homeland to build mansions that incorporated neoclassical as well as oriental elements.

The "Pelion Decree"

Many of the magnificent mansions from all three periods were destroyed during the earthquakes that struck Pelion in the mid-1950s and were replaced over the next two decades with crude concrete constructions. Fortunately, with a legislative decree issued in 1980 (known as the “Pelion Decree”), every newly built structure is required to follow the standards of classical Pelion architecture. In this way, total destruction was averted. Nearly every village in Pelion preserves some impressive traditional buildings, but the ones with the most homogeneous architectural character are Makrinitsa, Vizitsa, and Pinakates.