Crete is the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and at the same time is the largest island of Greece. The turbulent history of the past and the abundant cultural diversity and local architecture of the island can be explained if we could take into account its strategic geographical position. In this research paper, the traditional architecture of Crete, mainly in Lassithi’s region, is studied.
This study is divided into three major sections in order to understand the matter thoroughly and to present as much information as needed to highlight the importance of the buildings of folk architectural creation.
In the first section, general information about the island and the folk cretan architecture is listed. Initially the geographic context and information about the history of the island at different periods of time, as well as general information about the architecture and the urban planning are presented. Then, the issue of residence in the settlements of Crete is extensively analyzed. The simple house of the people living in the countryside is analyzed in terms of typology, materials, the way of structure and morphological data.
The second section is about the empirical part of the research. Study and partial mapping of Lasithi’s settlements, which still maintain buildings-examples of traditional folk architecture, was conducted. The settlements that were studied are: Voila, Etia, Karidi, Kellaria, Magkasas, Monastiraki. Geographical, historical and social data, as well as data of urban and architectural character is presented. The second section concludes by highlighting the bioclimatic principles that govern these settlements.
The last section provides examples of settlement that have been exploited, either successfully or unsuccessfully, as well as examples that highlight the ways that traditional architecture has inspired younger generations. Finally, there are observations, assumptions and descriptions, which occurred after the visit and study of settlements and after interviews with (former) inhabitants and people that work at the municipalities of the region highlighted.