The present study investigate the factors that influenced the current architectural form of the traditional towerhouse of Mani, mainly from the 15th century and after.
The historical life of Mani is engraved in the anthropogenic environment. For many centuries the barren and wild place was shaped by its disobedient population, which was organized into patriarchal armed tribes with their first concern being the protection and expansion of their lands with all the resources at their disposal. The whole spatial organization of its settlements is a result of the turbulent life of its population and expresses the hard struggles for survival and the unchanging values of all the centuries. The period of Ottoman rule and its war years were a historic milestone in the development of the Mani residence. Strong towers and settlements were created during this period to protect their inhabitants. Since then, it has been found that the core and plan of the traditional house have remained almost unchanged, with minor improvements over the years and with the development of technology, always maintaining their strict form.
Due to the population escape in larger urban centers but also the slow changes of the specific environment, most settlements have remained almost unchanged until today, with the only changes caused by time and some of the human interventions. However, there are many settlements that have been completely deserted and tend to disappear.
This study was based on literature research, public and private data and on the spot survey. It is an attempt to record the architectural form of settlements of Mani that concerns demolished and existing buildings before and after the crystallization of the modern Mani physiognomy. The categorization is based on the geographical location of the settlements. Finally, there is a methodical analysis of individual buildings of different categories and periods for the formation of a more complete picture.
