Kea island preserves unique architectural heritage

The Greek island of Kea, also known as Tzia, is gaining popularity among travelers interested in archaeology and architecture. Located in the western Cyclades, the island is situated only sixteen nautical miles from the port of Lavrio, making it easily accessible from Athens.

The island's capital, Ioulida, is distinguished from typical Cycladic styles by its urban and neoclassical architectural elements. The historic town is built in an amphitheater shape on the slopes of the Kastro and Mill hills. Notably, the town hall was designed by Ernst Ziller.

Rena Velissaropoulou, the mayor of Kea since 2019, noted that while the Metaxas dictatorship (1936–1940) mandated white and blue colors for hygienic reasons, the island's older stone buildings often reveal original colors beneath peeling plaster. Ioulida was designated a protected traditional settlement in 1978.