Santorini
AA-2026-9E2F8A
On the image
Someone decided a perfectly good volcanic cliff face should be covered in houses, which then had to be painted white, presumably to reflect the sun and prevent spontaneous combustion. The overall effect is visually striking, though one wonders about the initial planning meeting for such a design choice.
A small, hand-painted sign announces "AL LOUCAS ROOMS TO LET," indicating that even in the 1970s, the concept of selling access to a spectacular view for money was beginning to catch on. Getting luggage up or down these winding steps was clearly not a primary design consideration for the first wave of tourism.
This unique form of domestic architecture means that every resident gets a sea view, provided they don't mind walking straight up a mountain every time they forget their wallet. The entire settlement functions as a testament to human persistence, or perhaps just a general disdain for flat ground.
The historian's note
The image depicts a traditional Cycladic settlement on the island of Santorini, Greece, likely a portion of Fira, during the 1970s. This period predates the island's widespread mass tourism development seen in later decades.
These villages are characterised by their iconic whitewashed, cube-shaped houses, often built directly into the volcanic rock of the caldera cliffs overlooking the Aegean Sea. This architectural style serves both aesthetic and practical purposes, reflecting harsh sunlight and providing natural insulation.
In the 1970s, Santorini was gaining international recognition for its unique dramatic landscape, formed by a massive volcanic eruption, and its picturesque villages. The presence of a 'rooms to let' sign signifies the early stages of tourism becoming a significant economic driver for the island, shifting from a primarily agricultural and maritime economy.
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Visually related — by likeness
Whitewashed Cliffside Village, Santorini, 1970s. 1970–1979. Archive & Atlas, Historical Image Library, AA-2026-9E2F8A. https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/whitewashed-cliffside-village-santorini-1970s.
@misc{aaAA20269E2F8A,
title = {Whitewashed Cliffside Village, Santorini, 1970s},
year = {1970–1979},
howpublished = {Archive \& Atlas, Historical Image Library},
note = {Accession AA-2026-9E2F8A},
url = {https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/whitewashed-cliffside-village-santorini-1970s}
}TY - ART TI - Whitewashed Cliffside Village, Santorini, 1970s PY - 1970–1979 PB - Archive & Atlas, Historical Image Library AN - AA-2026-9E2F8A UR - https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/whitewashed-cliffside-village-santorini-1970s ER -
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