The island of Tinos for 325 years remained under the sovereignty of the Venetians and during that period, the social - cultural - economic and religious life of residents was influenced. In closed societies, religious issues were more visible, with particular impact on the daily lives of people. The long - term sovereignty also contributed to the change of the doctrine of the islanders. Any effort to impose the Catholic doctrine resulted reactions and class differences, between the orthodox who continued to react and those who, mainly because of mixed marriages, have accepted Catholicism. This whole skirmish lasted centuries and was smoothed in a very slow pace. Over the years was introduced a class - social - religious unity leading to the creation of a multicultural society with diffuse elements of both doctrines.
The churches of Tinos are divided into cathedral, in churches and chapels. From architectural point of view, is one - aisled, two - aisled or three - aisled basilica. There are also two - niches Christian churches, which are mostly temples or chapels with small dimensions. Due to the fact that the eastern wall of concrete temples are symmetrical with the longitudinal axis of the two architectural equivalent niches with the same height and same width, explains the name.
In the eastern part of the island of Tinos, we recorded a number of private chapels, which are devoted to two (2), or more rarely even three (3) Saints. In almost every village of the island, we found such churches. Features of these temples are their small size and the flat roof on which two (2) white crosses are painted, as indicated in double dedication of the temple. According to the residents of the island, several temples which are dedicated to two (2) Saints, in the past were created as churches of dual faith - doctrine.
The coexistence of Orthodox and Catholic doctrine on the island has influenced many fields, such as the way they build a temple and the construction site, as sometimes the new church was built adjacent to the existing and more rarely. Influences were evenin architecture and more rarely, in the creation of temples dedicated to two (2) doctrines, such as St. Catherine of Siena in Mount Tsiknias, St George in Ktikado, Panagia Faneromeni in the Mount Tsiknias and the Panagia Spiliotissa in the village of Komi. The temples are widely known as temples of dual Faith - Doctrine and are considered today as a rare form of temples, both for their architectural elements and functional - ritual characteristics.
They are two - aisled or even two - niches churches. The buildings are distinguishedby their simple forms, with rectangular plans, with a strong presence of white color with the use of lime, both inside and outside the church as a key element for disinfection and to prevent overheating of the construction. On the floor, is frequent the use of stone slabs with joints or even pieces of marble combined in various formations. Decorative elements are not used much. Often the temples are perhaps the most decorated element in the space of the church, crafted from walnut wood in simple lines. Also the use of long - shaped skylights, made by marble more often, both above the doors and windows, with different types of projects, increase the brightness of the area.
Today in Tinos, Orthodox and Catholics live together in harmony in all sectors (religious, social, professional) in their everyday life, having developed among the common customs and traditions. Together they participate in the celebration of the churches, regardless of dogma and coexistence has a special character in folklore and cultural richness of the island.