Dovecotes of Tinos

White pigeons perched on the ornaments of a dovecote

The Dovecotes of Tinos are emblematic for the island. You can see them scattered all over Tinos, especially in valleys out of the villages. There are also single dovecotes along the road in many places and they are easy to recognize - small whitewashed buildings with geometric ornaments.

The history of these pigeon houses dates back to the Venetians who built them on the island in order to breed doves. The style of the ornaments was later used to decorate the facades of private houses and hotels, and you today you can see this distinguishing pattern in some buildings in Tinos.

The valley below the village of Tarampados is known as the Dovecotes Valley, with lots of dovecotes which can be reached on foot. The total number of dovecotes on the island is around 900 but despite this, you will hardly meet pigeons in the villages.

Photos

White pigeons perched on the ornaments of a dovecoteOne of the many dovecotesA bus station with the ornaments of the dovecotes

Address and contacts

Address: Tinos, Cyclades Islands, Greece
Location: view on map

highlights: Dovecotes of Tinos, historic sight in Tinos, Cyclades Islands, Greece

Dovecotes of Tinos photo galleryx